532-nm diode laser treatment of seborrheic keratoses with color enhancement

2940-nm erbium:YAG laser versus 980-nm diode laser in the treatment of multiple seborrheic keratoses: A prospective comparative randomized study

BACKGROUND

Seborrheic keratoses (SKs) are the most common benign epithelial tumors encountered in clinical practice. Complications associated with traditional treatments of SKs urge the scientists to seek alternative treatment modalities. Objective To compare the efficacy and safety of 2940-nm erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG) laser versus 980-nm diode laser both clinically and dermoscopically for the treatment of seborrheic keratosis.

METHODS

Thirty subjects with multiple SKs were randomized to receive two sessions of either Er:YAG laser (n = 15) or diode laser (n = 15) and were followed up for 2 weeks after each session, and at 3 and 6 months after the second session.

RESULTS

Both lasers exhibited significant clearance of SKs with no significant difference in clinical and dermoscopic improvement between the two systems. However, Er:YAG laser showed shorter total downtime but more serious erythema, while scarring and hyperpigmentation were observed in diode laser group. No recurrence was detected in both groups at 6 months follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Er:YAG and diode lasers both are effective, non-invasive and well-tolerated techniques in treatment of SKs.

Inflammatory seborrheic keratosis resolution after hyperbaric oxygen therapy: Case presentation and pathophysiology review

Seborrheic keratosis (SK) is a common epidermal tumor, consisting of a benign proliferation of immature keratinocytes. The natural history of SK is a slow progression over time and complete remission is not expected. The article presents the first case of a complete resolution of a large (2.5 cm diameter) SK lesion after hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). In addition to the case presentation, the pathophysiology of SK and the potential beneficial physiological effects of HBOT are reviewed and discussed.

Unconventional use of intense pulsed light

According to the literature, intense pulsed light (IPL) represents a versatile tool in the treatment of some dermatological conditions (i.e., pigmentation disorders, hair removal, and acne), due to its wide range of wavelengths. The authors herein report on 58 unconventional but effective uses of IPL in several cutaneous diseases, such as rosacea (10 cases), port-wine stain (PWS) (10 cases), disseminated porokeratosis (10 cases), pilonidal cyst (3 cases), seborrheic keratosis (10 cases), hypertrophic scar (5 cases) and keloid scar (5 cases), Becker's nevus (2 cases), hidradenitis suppurativa (2 cases), and sarcoidosis (1 case). Our results should suggest that IPL could represent a valid therapeutic support and option by providing excellent outcomes and low side effects, even though it should be underlined that the use and the effectiveness of IPL are strongly related to the operator's experience (acquired by attempting at least one specific course on the use of IPL and one-year experience in a specialized centre). Moreover, the daily use of these devices will surely increase clinical experience and provide new information, thus enhancing long-term results and improving IPL effectiveness.