Treatment of Laser Therapy-Induced Punctate Leukoderma Using a 308-nm Excimer Laser

Efficacy and Safety of Low Fluence Nd:YAG Laser Treatment in Melasma: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Low-fluence, multisession therapy of Nd:YAG laser has been widely used for treating melasma.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of low-fluence Nd:YAG laser toning for melasma using a systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

The PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched till December 2020. A total of 50 studies (1,772 patients) and 66 studies were selected for the evaluation of the efficacy and complications, retrospectively.

RESULTS

The mean Melasma Area and Severity Index/modified Melasma Area and Severity Index scores for laser toning as monotherapy at <4, 4 to <8, 8 to <12, 12 to <24, and ≥24 weeks after treatment compared with that at pretreatment were -0.51, -0.91, -0.97, -0.92, 0.01 SD, whereas those as combination therapy were -1.64, -1.26, -0.94, not available, -1.45 SD, respectively. An increase in light value and a decrease in relative lightness index have remained up to 8 weeks after laser toning. Complications including hypopigmentation/leukoderma, postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, and recurrence were noted. The incidence of hypopigmentation/leukoderma correlated with the number of laser sessions (p = .036).

CONCLUSION

Low-fluence Nd:YAG laser toning as combination therapy has shown better efficacy than monotherapy and the efficacy seems to diminish with time. This study suggests the positive correlation of hypopigmentation/leukoderma with the number of laser sessions.

[Treatment of pigmentation disorders in association with systemic diseases]

Pigmentation disorders are a frequent skin problem and incorporate a broad spectrum of diseases, caused by an abnormal melanin pigmentation or also non-melanin pigmentation of the skin. Both hypermelanosis and hypomelanosis can be hereditary or acquired. This article summarizes the treatment approaches that are used in the majority of acquired pigmentation disorders of the skin. The following forms of hypermelanosis are addressed: lentiginosis, hyperpigmentation due to endocrine disorders or other systemic diseases, drug-induced hyperpigmentation. Acquired hypomelanoses include postinflammatory hypomelanosis, chemical depigmentation, idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis and punctate leucoderma. With reference to non-melanin pigmentation, the exogenous pigmentation due to chemicals, metals and drug exposure are discussed. The treatment is primarily based on finding the cause of the alterations to the pigment. The affected area, age and ethnic origin are also important factors. The spectrum of therapeutic options is broad: topical agents, chemical peeling, systemic agents, laser and light-based treatment. As some of these treatment procedures can have side effects, the availability of a protocol that contains information on the drug concentration, dose, parameters for laser treatment and the number of sessions is important. For every disorder the specific dermatological treatment is presented even when some pigmentation alterations that occur in association with systemic diseases, are cured by the treatment of the primary disease. Most diseases are exacerbated by exposure to UV light. Therefore, sun protection is recommended and a cosmetic coverage is indicated.

Acquired disorders with hypopigmentation: A clinical approach to diagnosis and treatment

Acquired hypopigmented skin changes are commonly encountered by dermatologists. Although hypopigmentation is often asymptomatic and benign, occasional serious and disabling conditions present with cutaneous hypopigmentation. A thorough history and physical examination, centered on disease distribution and morphologic findings, can aid in delineating the causes of acquired hypopigmented disorders. The second article in this 2-part continuing medical education series focuses on conditions with a hypopigmented phenotype. Early diagnosis and appropriate management of these disorders can improve a patient's quality of life, halt disease progression, and prevent irreversible disability.