Treatment of erythematotelangiectatic rosacea, facial erythema, and facial telangiectasia with a 577-nm pro-yellow laser: a case series

Review of laser and energy-based devices to treat rosacea in skin of color

The prevalence of rosacea in skin of color (SOC) populations is estimated to be as high as 10% in some countries. Traditionally, intense pulsed light (IPL) and pulsed dye laser (PDL) have been the laser and energy-based devices (EBDs) used to treat rosacea. However, not all laser and EBDs are safe for SOC (Fitzpatrick skin types IV-VI) due to increased absorption of energy in pigmented skin and increased risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and scarring. This review summarizes the use of the top seven laser and EBDs for treating rosacea in SOC.

Efficacy, tolerance and acceptability of pulsed dye laser on facial and neckline telangiectasias in systemic scleroderma: a prospective open-label monocentric study in 21 patients

Facial and neckline telangiectasias have an underestimated yet important impact on quality of life of patients with systemic scleroderma (SSc). This monocentric, prospective, open-label, intra-patient comparative study was conducted in 21 consecutive patients with SSc. Patients underwent 4 sessions of PDL 8 weeks apart. A final quadruple assessment was performed by several raters 2 months after the last session, based on the following criteria: change in telangiectasia number; subjective improvement score (LINKERT scale); impact on the quality of life (QoL; SKINDEX score); visual analog pain scale; adverse effects (AEs), including treatment discontinuation for PDL-induced purpura and patient satisfaction. The mean telangiectasia number decreased by 5 (32%) at the end of the protocol. Eighteen patients (85.7%) reported an improvement or a strong improvement, versus 73.81% for the expert committee. Immediate session pain (mean = 3.4/10) was slightly less than overall pain (mean = 4.6/10). Ten patients (47%) experienced at least one AE (oozing/crusts, edema, epidermal blistering), including PDL-induced purpura in 3 patients (14%). AEs were mostly transient (<1 week) and mild (CTCAE grade 1). All QoL parameters improved after treatment, and 85% of patients were satisfied.

Exploring the Pathogenesis and Mechanism-Targeted Treatments of Rosacea: Previous Understanding and Updates

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by recurrent erythema, flushing, telangiectasia, papules, pustules, and phymatous changes in the central area of the face. Patients with this condition often experience a significant negative impact on their quality of life, self-esteem, and overall well-being. Despite its prevalence, the pathogenesis of rosacea is not yet fully understood. Recent research advances are reshaping our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of rosacea, and treatment options based on the pathophysiological perspective hold promise to improve patient outcomes and reduce incidence. In this comprehensive review, we investigate the pathogenesis of rosacea in depth, with a focus on emerging and novel mechanisms, and provide an up-to-date overview of therapeutic strategies that target the diverse pathogenic mechanisms of rosacea. Lastly, we discuss potential future research directions aimed at enhancing our understanding of the condition and developing effective treatments.

Skincare in Rosacea from the Cosmetologist's Perspective: A Narrative Review

Rosacea is a common skin disease that affects about 5% of the general population. Its symptoms include telangiectasia, persistent erythema, burning/stinging sensation, dry skin sensation, and pruritus. It is characterized by a chronic course with frequent exacerbation. It often coexists with anxiety and depression, reducing the quality of life of affected patients. The etiopathogenesis of rosacea is complex and not fully elucidated; hence, there is no causative effective treatment. In this review, we highlight the role of a cosmetologist in the treatment of rosacea and the maintenance of remission. As part of medical treatment, patients are advised to introduce lifestyle changes and use proper skin care; a cosmetologist can help educate patients affected with rosacea, create effective home care programs for skin care, and support them with treatments in beauty salons. Proper skin care is essential, including the use of dermocosmetics, cleansing of the skin, and frequent visits to beauty salons for tailored apparatus procedures. A cosmetologist is more accessible to patients and can help implement healthy daily habits, including skin care and eating habits, as well as support and mediate good communication between the patient and the patient's treating physician, thereby improving compliance and ensuring long-term satisfactory outcomes.

A new treatment option for poikiloderma of Civatte: 577 nm pro-yellow laser

BACKGROUND

Although many laser systems have been used in the treatment for Poikiloderma of Civatte (POC), there is no standard treatment guideline.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to present our data on the efficacy and safety of single-session pro-yellow laser treatment for POC.

METHODS

The study included 14 patients treated with pro-yellow laser (QuadroStarPRO YELLOW^® Asclepion Laser Technologies, Germany) between 2017 and 2019. Treatment had been applied in two passes during the same session; a general pass with 22 j/cm² over the whole lesion, then, one more pass only on the telangiectatic lesions with 18 j/cm² fluence. They were evaluated based on their pictures taken before and 4 weeks after the treatment and scored by a 4-item scoring in terms of the improvement (0:no change, 1:1%-25% mild, 2:26%-50% moderate, 3:51%-75% well, and 4:76%-100% excellent improvement).

RESULTS

The mean age of the patients (1 female, 13 males) was 59.64 ± 8.16 years. Five patients had Fitzpatrick-2 and 9 patients had Fitzpatrick-3 skin types. Six patients had mild, 8 patients had moderate improvement, one of them has been illustrated in Figure 1. Sixty-minute mild erythema was the only adverse effect observed.

CONCLUSIONS

We think that pro-yellow laser is a good treatment option for POC treatment. Repeated sessions are required for the complete healing of the lesions, while one single session has proved to be deficient. We observed that it was a quite safe treatment option, especially for the neck region, which was inclined to scarring and atrophy development.

Light-Based Devices for the Treatment of Facial Erythema and Telangiectasia

Facial erythema is one of the most common outpatient complaints in dermatology. There are various causes of facial erythema and several devices are available for its treatment. Pulsed dye laser (PDL) and intense pulsed light (IPL) are the two common light devices used for these conditions. In this review, we evaluated the literature to assess efficacy of IPL versus PDL in facial erythema and telangiectasia. We searched published articles including clinical trials or reviews articles, case series, and case reports. Electronic databases (MEDLINE and PubMed) were searched to retrieve the articles. Reference lists of selected articles were also considered for the review. Articles published in English language until June 2021 were considered for this review.

577-nm high-power optically pumped semiconductor laser is safe and effective in the treatment of inflammatory acne: a prospective, single-center, split-face comparative study

Objective

This study aimed to appraise the efficacy of a 577-nm high-power optically pumped semiconductor laser (HOPSL) for the treatment of inflammatory acne.

Methods

The study included 50 patients with acne vulgaris (inflammatory type), 14 men, and 36 women; patient ages ranged from 16 to 35 years. The left side of the face was treated with a single pass of a 577-nm high-power optically pumped semiconductor laser (HOPSL) every 2 weeks for 3 sessions. The severity of acne examined prior to the first session and 4 weeks after the last session (Investigator's Global Assessment of acne severity, IGA; single lesion count).

Results

At baseline, no statistically significant difference in the severity of inflammatory acne lesions between both sides was observed. One month after the final session, a significant improvement (IGA reduction of > 50%) of the overall severity of acne was observed in 49 patients (98%) on the laser-treated side versus 41 (82%) the control side of the face (P < .05). Hence, we found a significant reduction in the mean percentage of inflammatory papules, pustules, and nodules on the laser-treated versus the control side (79.33 vs 56.92, 78.04 vs 43.33, 64.85 vs 21.93%, respectively) (P < 0.05). Side effects in the form of erythema and irritation during sessions were transient and tolerated by the patients.

Conclusion

The 577-nm high-power optically pumped semiconductor laser is effective and safe for the treatment of inflammatory lesions (papules, pustules, and nodules) in acne patients.

Evaluation of the efficacy of pro-yellow laser in the management of vascular skin disorders

BACKGROUND

Lasers have great importance in the management of vascular skin lesions.

AIM

To determine the efficacy of 577-nm pro-yellow laser in cure of certain vascular skin diseases.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Seventy-four patients who are diagnosed as vascular skin diseases were involved in this study. All participants were treated with 577-nm pro-yellow laser with 4-week intervals. The photographs that were taken before and at every following visit were used to evaluate improvement.

RESULTS

A significant improvement occurred in port-wine stain, rosacea, facial telangiectasia, venous lake, scrotal angiokeratoma, and cherry angioma cases.

CONCLUSION

Vascular skin lesions can be treated with 577-nm pro-yellow laser with a minimal adverse effect and great success rate.

The effect of 577-nm pro-yellow laser on demodex density in patients with rosacea

BACKGROUND

The pro-yellow laser is a yellow light wavelength (577-nm) laser system. Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory disorder that occurs with facial flushing, erythema, papules, pustules, and telangiectasia. Demodex parasites (Demodex folliculorum and brevis) also play a role in the pathogenesis of rosacea.

AIM

The aim of our study is to evaluate the effect of pro-yellow laser on demodex density (Dd) in patients with rosacea.

PATIENTS/METHODS

This retrospective study was planned for the patients with rosacea whose demodex mite densities were examined and treated with pro-yellow laser and were evaluated between 2019 and 2020 in the cosmetology unit. The laser light was applied at a dose of 20 J/cm² in the scanner mode (the 80% coverage) in all the patients. The demodex density per cm² was routinely evaluated before the treatment, and the demodex density values in the fourth week after the treatment were recorded from the patients' files.

RESULTS

There were 27 females (79.4%) and seven males (20.6%) evaluated in the study. While the demodex density was 18.1 ± 10.7 (min: 0-max: 48, Q1:12-Q3:22) per cm² before the pro-yellow laser treatment in the cases, the demodex density was 10.2 ± 7.9 (min: 0-max: 30, Q1:4.75-Q3:12) per cm² in the fourth week after the treatment. After the pro-yellow laser treatment, the demodex intensity decreased significantly compared to before the laser treatment (p = 0.001). There was no significant correlation between the decrease in the density of the demodex mite and the success of the treatment (p = 0.46).

CONCLUSION

This is the first study in the literature investigating the change in demodex density in rosacea patients treated with pro-yellow laser therapy. In this study, it was shown that pro-yellow laser treatment is effective in reducing the density of demodex.

Laser and light-based therapies in the management of rosacea: an updated systematic review

Unlike other rosacea therapies which need daily takings or applications over long periods, the edge of lasers and light-based therapies (LLBT) is the limited number of sessions to achieve improvement. The proper selection of the adequate physical device in accordance with the patients' skin features and rosacea-related signs and symptoms should be considered and the management with physical sources should be updated as new data become available. This article reviews and discusses the current use of lasers and light-based therapies in rosacea with reference to all the available literature.This systematic review demonstrates the quality of evidence to support any recommendation on LLBT in rosacea is low-to-moderate. Among all the available devices, PDL holds the most robust evidence. Treatments options should be tailored for each specific clinical scenario as it is unlike that single modality results in complete resolution. Platforms that include two or more devices and combined therapies with topical agents are suitable and they warrant further investigations.

An evaluation of the efficacy of a single-session 577 nm pro-yellow laser treatment in patients with postacne erythema and scarring

Erythema and scarring are among the most common complications of severe inflammatory acne. In this study, we aimed to share our experience with pro-yellow laser and document the efficacy and safety of this treatment in postacne erythema and scarring. The study included 40 patients, 24 (60%) females, and 16 (40%) males with a mean age of 29.5 ± 8.16 (min. 18 years, max. 57 years). The pro-yellow laser was applied to all patients as a single session with irradiation of 22 J/cm² . Improvement in postacne erythema and scars were evaluated after the treatment. The study included 40 patients, 24 patients (60%) were females and 16 patients (40%) were males with the mean age of 29.5 ± 8.16 (ranged between 18 and 57 years old). A total of 21 patients (52.5%) had good improvement (51%-75% regression), 10 patients (25%) had excellent improvement (76%-100% regression), and a moderate improvement (26%-50%) was detected in 9 patients (22.5%). Also, there were mild improvement (1%-25%) in 20 patients (76.9%) and a moderate improvement (26%-50%) in 6 patients (23.1%). We found that pro-yellow laser is highly effective in the treatment of postacne erythema, while its effectiveness was mild to moderate in atrophic acne scars. Also, it has been observed that the pro-yellow laser system can be used safely immediately after cessation of systemic isotretinoin treatment.

Rosacea Treatment: Review and Update

Rosacea is a chronic and inflammatory skin disease characterized by flushing, nontransient erythema, papules/pustules, telangiectasia, and phymatous changes. Secondary manifestations, such as itching, burning, or stinging, are often observed in patients with rosacea. In 2017, a phenotype-based approach for diagnosis and classification was recommended. With the update of the diagnosis and classification of rosacea, treatment options for patients with rosacea have attracted the attention of dermatologists. Here, we summarize the latest advances in rosacea treatment, including skin care and cosmetic treatments, topical therapies, oral therapies, laser- and light-based therapies, injection therapies, treatments for specific types of rosacea, treatments for systemic comorbidities, and combination therapies. The impact of the phenotype-based approach on rosacea treatment and future directions are also discussed.

Consensus on the therapeutic management of rosacea - Brazilian Society of Dermatology

BACKGROUND

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory disease of the skin, relatively more frequent in women over 30 with a low phototype and proven genetic predisposition. Although its etiology is unknown and possibly multifactorial, the immunological abnormality, associated with neurovascular dysregulation and triggering factors, are important elements in its pathophysiology, which lead to the main changes of inflammation, vasodilation, and angiogenesis that are responsible for the clinical manifestations. Despite the lack of cure, numerous therapeutic options are available for the different clinical presentations of the disease, with satisfactory responses.

OBJECTIVE

To reach a consensus, with recommendations from experts, on the therapeutic management of rosacea suitable to the Brazilian setting.

METHODS

The study was conducted by five specialized dermatologists from university centers, representatives of the different Brazilian regions, with experience in rosacea, who were appointed by the Brazilian Society of Dermatology. Based on the adapted DELPHI methodology, the experts contributed through an updated bibliographic review of the scientific evidence, combined with personal experiences.

RESULTS

The group of experts reached a consensus on the relevant aspects in the therapeutic management of rosacea, providing information on epidemiology, pathophysiology, triggering factors, clinical condition, classification, quality of life, and comorbidities. Consensus was defined as approval by at least 90% of the panel.

CONCLUSION

Despite the impossibility of cure, there are several therapeutic alternatives specific to each patient that provide excellent results, with chances of total improvement and long periods of remission, promoting a positive impact on quality of life. This consensus provides detailed guidance for clinical practice and therapeutic decisions in rosacea.

The efficacy of a single-session pro-yellow laser in the treatment of facial telangiectasia

Facial telangiectasia (FT) is a condition in which small dilated vessels visibly protrude on the surface of the skin. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a single-session pro-yellow laser in the treatment of FT and spider angioma (SA) to compare it with a limited number of studies conducted on this subject. In this pilot study, we reviewed 41 patients who admitted to our dermatology clinic with FT and SA and were treated by using pro-yellow laser. The efficacy of the treatment was evaluated using the recorded clinical information and digital camera images. The improvement was graded as complete (90-100%), very good (75-89%), good (50-74%), moderate (25-49%), and weak (< 25%). Of the 41 patients included in the study, 37 (90.2%) had FT and four (9.8%) had SA. Twenty-two patients were female and 19 were male. Pro-yellow laser therapy was generally well tolerated by patients, and minimal pain occurred during the application. In 1-month follow-up, good, very good, or complete recovery was achieved in 51.4% of the FT patients. The new pro-yellow laser only has a yellow light wavelength. Its unique wavelength at 577-nm yellow light is ideal for vascular lesions. In this study, 51.4% of the patients with FT achieved good, very good, or complete improvement after a single session of 577-nm pro-yellow laser, and complete improvement was achieved in all the four patients with SA.

Successful treatment of facial vascular skin diseases with a 577-nm pro-yellow laser

BACKGROUND

Treatment of vascular skin diseases is one of the most important indications of the laser.

AIMS

To evaluate the effectiveness of 577-nm pro-yellow laser in the treatment of some vascular skin diseases.

PATIENTS/METHODS

Ninety-five patients with vascular skin diseases were included in this prospective monocentric study. They were classified into: port-wine stain birthmarks (n = 37), papulopustular rosacea (n = 20), facial telangiectasia (n = 16), and facial erythema (n = 22). All participants received a monthly session of 577-nm pro-yellow laser. Follow-up was done by comparing the photographs before and at every follow-up visit.

RESULTS

At the final visit, there was a significant improvement (>50%) occurred in 24/37 (64.82%), 12/20 (60%), 10/16 (62.5%), and 19/22 (86.3%) cases and poor response occurred in 6/37 (16.2%), 2/20 (10%), 2/16 (12.5%), and 0/22 cases after a mean number of sessions 7.76 ± 2.28, 3.1 ± 1.8, 3.63 ± 1.12, and 1.8 ± 0.85 in port-wine stain, rosacea-, facial telangiectasia-, and facial erythema-treated groups, respectively. Transient irritation and erythema during the session were the only complications reported in the study.

CONCLUSION

Facial port-wine stains, rosacea, telangiectasia, and erythema can be successfully treated with a single pass of 577-nm pro-yellow laser with a minimal side effect. Facial erythema showed the highest degree of success with the least number of sessions, while more sessions needed for the treatment of port-wine stain.