A comparison of Q-switched alexandrite laser and intense pulsed light for the treatment of freckles and lentigines in Asian persons: a randomized, physician-blinded, split-face comparative trial.

Author: Wang CC, Sue YM, Yang CH, Chen CK

Author affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Cardinal Tien Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan. jamiewang@med-assn.org.tw

Publication date & source: 2006.05, J Am Acad Dermatol., 54(5):804-10.

Publication type: Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND: Q-switched (QS) pigmented lasers and intense pulsed light (IPL) successfully treat pigment disorders. OBJECTIVE: We sought to compare efficacy and side effects of QS alexandrite laser (QSAL) and IPL for freckle and lentigo treatment in Asians. METHODS: In all, 15 patients with freckles and 17 patients with lentigines were treated randomly with one session QSAL in one cheek and two sessions IPL in the other cheek at 4-week intervals. Efficacy was determined using a new pigmentation area and severity index score. RESULTS: All patients experienced improvement (P < .0001). Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation developed in one patient with freckles and 8 patients with lentigines after QSAL. No postinflammatory hyperpigmentation occurred after IPL. Freckles achieved greater improvement after QSAL than IPL (P = .04). In lentigines, the results after IPL were better than QSAL among those with postinflammatory hyperpigmentation after QSAL. LIMITATIONS: Limitations include a small case number and short follow-up period. CONCLUSION: QSAL was superior to IPL for freckle treatment. IPL should be used for lentigines in Asian persons.

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