Effective treatment of facial redness caused by atopic dermatitis using intense pulsed light systems

Background Patients with facial atopic dermatitis (AD) experience psychological and social distress. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the safety and the efficacy of intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment in patients with facial AD. Materials and Methods Eleven patients (9 men, 2 women; aged 14-39) with mild to moderate refractory facial AD were included in this study. In three separate sessions at 2-week intervals, the whole face was exposed to an IPL device using a 590-nm cut-off filter. Objective clinical response was examined using the Eczema Severity Score (ESS), a polarization color imaging system, and two dermatologists' evaluations. Data on quality of life were evaluated using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). RESULTS The ESS in 11 patients with facial AD was significantly lower 4 weeks after the third treatment (p=.005). Scaling (p=.003); edema, induration, and papules (p=.011); erythema (p=.009), and lichenification (p=.008) improved significantly. The erythema scale, examined using the polarization color imaging system, also decreased significantly (p=.04). No patients showed any noticeable side effects. Mean DLQI score improved significantly after the completion of therapy (from baseline to 4 weeks after the last IPL treatment; p=.005). CONCLUSION IPL treatment could be used as an adjunct modality for the treatment of refractory facial AD with minimal side effects. The authors have indicated no significant interest with commercial supporters.