Authors: Papageorgiou, P.; Clayton, W.; Norwood, S.¹; Chopra, S.²; Rustin, M.

Source: British Journal of Dermatology, Volume 159, Number 3, September 2008 , pp. 628-632(5)

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

Abstract:

Summary Background 

Rosacea is a common skin condition but the treatments currently available are not satisfactory. Objectives 

To assess the efficacy of intense pulsed light (IPL) for treatment of stage I rosacea (flushing, erythema and telangiectasia). Methods 

Thirty-four patients were treated, 25 women and nine men, mean age 47 years. The treatment employed was IPL 515-1200 nm, with a 560 nm cut-off filter. The fluence range was 24-32 J cm⁻². Four treatments were administered on the face at 3-week intervals. Erythema values were measured at baseline and at the end of the treatment period on the cheeks and chin. Digital photographs were assessed by a consultant dermatologist on a 10-point visual analogue scale (VAS). Patients' assessments were also made using a 10-point VAS. Outcome measures were repeated 6 months after treatment. Results 

After four treatments the mean reduction of the erythema values was 39% on the cheeks (P < 0·001) and 22% on the chin (P < 0·001). This was confirmed by photographic assessment where erythema improved by 46% and telangiectasia by 55% (P < 0·001). The severity of rosacea was reduced on average by 3·5 points on the 10-point VAS. Patients' and physicians' assessments of the overall improvement of rosacea were similar: more than 50% improvement was noticed in 73% and 83% of patients, respectively (P < 0·001). The results were sustained at 6 months. Side-effects were minimal and self-limiting. Conclusions 

IPL significantly reduces erythema and telangiectasia of rosacea and this is sustained for at least 6 months.

Keywords: intense pulsed light; rosacea; telangiectasia; treatment

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2133.2008.08702.x

Affiliations: 1: Department of Clinical Health Psychology, University College London, London, U.K. 2: Department of Dermatology, Barts and The London NHS Trust, London, U.K.

Publication date: 2008-09-01

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