Curr Gastroenterol Rep. 2009 Aug; 11(4): 253-4Coyle WJ
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...