Topical niacin cream-assisted 595-nm pulsed-dye laser treatment for facial flushing: Retrospective analysis of 25 Korean patients

Background Flushing is defined clinically as a transient reddening of the face and other areas. Due to the transient nature of flushing, a patient may not show signs of flushing during laser treatment. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of 595-nm pulsed-dye laser treatment of flushing or erythema after provocation of flushing by topical niacin cream. Methods We retrospectively reviewed a total of 25 Korean patients with facial flushing who were treated with three sessions of 595-nm pulsed-dye laser after the application of topical niacin cream. Results Follow-up results revealed that 12 of the 25 patients demonstrated marked (51-75%) clinical improvement of baseline facial erythema. Eight patients had moderate (26-50%) improvement and three demonstrated near total (≥75%) improvement. Two patients showed minimal to no (0-25%) improvement. We observed that the reactivity to topical niacin cream was markedly reduced in 64% of our patients after 595-nm pulsed-dye laser treatments. Minimal post-therapy facial oedema was noted in most of the patients, which usually resolved spontaneously within 2 days. Pronounced facial swelling was observed in four patients. Conclusion We suggest that 595-nm pulsed-dye laser treatment after provocation of flushing by topical niacin cream may provide a new treatment algorithm for facial flushing in Asians.