Safety and Effectiveness of a New 532 nm, Long Pulse-Duration, Variable Pulse Structure Laser for Treatment of Poikiloderma of Civatte.

BACKGROUND: Poikiloderma of Civatte is a benign skin condition characterized by reticulate erythema and hyperpigmentation in sun-exposed areas, predominantly on the neck, cheeks, and chest. Chronic UV exposure leads to vascular proliferation and red cell extravasation resulting in hemosiderin and melanin deposition. While many light-based modalities have been utilized to treat the disorder, the significant vascularity makes it ideally suited for treatment with vascular lasers.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a new, long-pulse-duration, Nd:YAG laser incorporating a KTP frequency-doubling crystal and cryogen spray cooling for the treatment of Poikiloderma of Civatte.

METHODS: Twenty subjects with neck and/or chest redness were enrolled in this study and treated using the 532 nm wavelength to treat neck and chest redness. Four treatments were administered at monthly intervals and pre- and 2-month posttreatment images were obtained. Images were randomized and evaluated by three physician evaluators for degree of improvement.

RESULTS: Average improvement 2-months posttreatment were 74.1 ± 20.2% and 68.4 ± 20.5% for the neck and chest, respectively (p < 0.0001). Side effects were minimal and limited to posttreatment erythema, edema, and purpura.

CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that this new long pulse-duration, Nd:YAG laser incorporating a KTP frequency-doubling crystal using the 532 nm wavelength is safe and effective for the treatment of Poikiloderma of Civatte.