Rosacea treatment using the new-generation, high-energy, 595 nm, long pulse-duration pulsed-dye laser

Background and Objectives: Rosacea results from sun-induced hyper-vascularity of exposed facial skin, often accompanied by acneiform papules and pustules. The pulsed-dye laser has an unparalleled safety record and emits an ideal wavelength for treating the abnormal vessels that occur in rosacea patients. In this study we investigate the ability of the long pulse-duration pulsed-dye laser to improve rosacea. Study Design/Materials and Methods: Twenty subjects with rosacea were treated with the high-energy, long pulse-duration pulsed-dye laser. An elliptical spot and long pulse-duration was used to spot-treat linear telangiectasias, while a circular spot and short pulse-duration was used to treat the entire face. Improvement was determined by blinded evaluation of photographs and by the treating physician's subjective evaluation, before and 8 weeks following the final treatment. Results: The average rosacea score as estimated by the treating physician decreased from 2.7 +/- 1.1 to 1.4 + 0.7 (mean+SD) on a 0-6 scale with 0 representing no rosacea and 6 representing the most severe rosacea (P<0.001 level). The average rosacea score as rated by blinded physician observers scoring digital photos was 2.3 +/- 1.3 before treatment and 1.4 +/- 0.9 8 weeks following treatment, using a 0 (mild) to 6 (severe) scale. Conclusions: The high-energy, long pulse-duration pulsed-dye laser improves rosacea with a very favorable safety profile, and less purpura than resulted from earlier generation pulsed-dye lasers.