Comparison of efficacy between long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser and pulsed dye laser to treat rosacea-associated nasal telangiectasia.

BACKGROUND

Rosacea is characterized by erythema on face, especially erythema and linear telangiectasia on the nose. Currently, various vascular lasers are used for treatment, and among them, are long-pulsed Nd:YAG(LPNY) and pulsed dye laser (PDL).

OBJECTIVES

This study compared the efficacy of LPNY and PDL in treating rosacea-associated nasal telangiectasia.

METHODS

Patients with rosacea who showed erythema and telangiectasia on the nose were included. Each patient was treated with PDL on the left side of the nasal bridge, and LPNY on the right side, three times with 4-week intervals. At the end of the treatment, two independent dermatologists evaluated overall treatment response compared with baseline.

RESULTS

The physician's assessment of treatment concluded that good improvement was seen in six PDL and seven LPNY patients, and excellent improvement five PDL and four LPNY patients. There was no significant difference (p = 0.62, 95%CI) between the groups. Overall improvement was similar; however, LPNY induced a greater response in thick, dilated vessels, while erythema with mild telangiectasia was more responsive to PDL.

CONCLUSION

Both LPNY and PDL are effective in treating rosacea-associated nasal telangiectasia. If LPNY is used properly to avoid side effects with careful consideration, it can also be used as a good modality.