J Cosmet Laser Ther. 2009 May 22; 1-3Menezes N, Moreira A, Mota G, Baptista ABackground: Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory eruption of the face that may significantly impair patients' lives, leading to considerable emotional distress and behavioral withdrawal from normal social interactions. The pulsed dye laser is a device that selectively targets oxyhemoglobin with proved efficacy in the treatment of vascular lesions, especially at purpuric doses. Objective: We decided to evaluate the impact of the pulsed dye laser on rosacea patients' quality of life using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) score. Methods: Twenty-two patients with erythematotelangiectatic rosacea were enrolled in the study. They were asked to complete a DLQI questionnaire before and after three treatments. Erythema improvement was subjectively evaluated by two investigators who ranked it as equal, better or worse after the three treatments. Results: A statistically significant improvement was observed in the DLQI score after three treatment sessions. All patients were judged by the investigators to have improved facial erythema. Conclusion: This study reinforces the idea that pulsed dye laser usage for the treatment of erythematotelangiectatic rosacea is very efficient, emphasizing that it also has the ability to improve rosacea patients' quality of life.
Rosacea is a common skin condition but the treatments currently available are not satisfactory. OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficacy of intense pulsed light (IPL) for treatment of stage I rosacea (flushing, erythema and telangiectasia). METHODS: Thirty-four patients were treated, 25 women and nine men, mean age 47 years. The treatment employed was IPL 515-1200 nm, with a 560 nm cut-off filter. The fluence range was 24-32 J cm(-2). Four treatments were administered on the face at 3-week intervals. Erythema values were measured at baseline and at the end of the treatment period on the cheeks and chin. Digital photographs were assessed by a consultant dermatologist on a 10-point visual analogue scale (VAS). Patients' assessments were also made using a 10-point VAS. Outcome measures were repeated 6 months after treatment. RESULTS: After four treatments the mean reduction of the erythema values was 39% on the cheeks (P The severity of rosacea was reduced on average by 3.5 points on the 10...