Long-pulsed alexandrite laser not inferior to pulsed-dye laser in rosacea treatment

MILAN — Long-pulsed alexandrite laser yielded comparable results to pulsed-dye laser in the treatment of rosacea in a 7-month study.

Pulsed-dye laser (PDL) has long been regarded as the standard treatment for rosacea due to its higher absorption for melanin rather than hemoglobin. However, long-pulsed alexandrite laser (LPAL) has also been reported to be effective on hypertrophic and resistant port wine stain.

“To date, data on the efficacy of long pulsed alexandrite laser for rosacea are sparse,” Sujin Park, of Yonsei University College of Medicine, and colleagues wrote in an abstract. “We aimed to compare the effectiveness of long-pulsed alexandrite laser with that of pulsed dye laser for rosacea.”

The single-blind, split-face, randomized controlled trial included patients with clinically diagnosed rosacea. Data from the study was presented during the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology Congress.

Each of the 23 patients that completed the study received 4 monthly treatments of either LPAL or PDL. Two independent dermatologists evaluated the treatment in a 1-month and 3-month follow-up after the final treatment. Treatment responses were evaluated on a Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) and a survey of patients’ satisfaction. The erythema index was analyzed by a spectrometer and image analysis system.

The study found that the erythema index significantly decreased on both treated sides after the final treatment (LPAL, 366.5 ± 101 vs. 295.8 ± 90.2; PDL, 369 ± 124.3 vs. 302.7 ± 92.1). The 3-month follow-up showed sustained improvement (LPAL, 366.3 ± 101 vs. 295.8 ± 90.2; PDL, 369 ± 124.3 vs. 276.3 ± 96.9).

The study concluded that LPAL was as equally effective as PDL for reducing erythema in rosacea. The percentage decrease of both treatments, as well as the patient satisfaction and GAIS evaluation, were highly comparable between both treatments.

Unlike PDL treatment, LPAL does not require a consumable.

“Long-pulse alexandrite laser could be a promising treatment option for rosacea with great advantages,” the researchers wrote.