Role of laser therapy in dermatology -- clinical aspects

Abstract

Background: Laser therapy has become an integral part of therapeutic alternatives in dermatology. Nevertheless, there are only few statistical data on the role of lasers in everyday practice of dermatological clinics.

Objective: Analysis of laser patients, indications and lasers used.

Methods: We analysed 10244 patients treated with laser therapy in the Department of Dermatology at the University of Regensburg from 1992 to 2000. This figure represents 9.6 % of all patients seen during that period.

Results: Vascular lesions (hemangiomas, port-wine stains, telangiectasias) represented the most common indication (more than 70%) followed by infectious disorders (mostly papillomavirus lesions) as well as the removal of hairs and tattoos. Accordingly, the most frequently used laser was the flashlamp-pumped pulsed dye laser (585 nm) followed by the argon ion, the long-pulse tunable flashlamp-pumped pulsed dye laser, the Q-switch ruby laser, and the CO(2)-laser. In recent years, the percentage of indications and lasers used has changed significantly, reflecting the development of new lasers and the introduction of new indications.

Conclusions: The results confirm the important role of laser therapy in dermatology.