Adverse effects associated with the 577- and 585-nanometer pulsed dye laser in the treatment of cutaneous vascular lesions: a study of 500 patients

Abstract

Background: The flashlamp-pumped pulsed dye laser has been used in the treatment of cutaneous vascular disorders since 1986. Although this laser is now widely used for the treatment of port-wine stains, telangiectases, and hemangiomas, the incidence of adverse reactions has not been clearly defined in a large series of patients.

Objective: We assessed the incidence of adverse effects associated with the use of the pulsed dye laser in the treatment of vascular lesions.

Methods: We studied 500 patients undergoing pulsed dye laser treatments for port-wine stains, telangiectases, and hemangiomas. All patients were examined during the course of their treatment to assess the incidence of adverse effects associated with the use of the pulsed dye laser.

Results: There were no cases of hypertrophic scarring. The incidence of atrophic scarring was less than 0.1%. A spongiotic dermatitis was seen in 11 of 297 patients (0.04%) after multiple treatments of port-wine stains. Hyperpigmentation was seen in five of 500 patients (1%), whereas transient hypopigmentation was seen in 13 (2.6%).

Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that the flashlamp-pumped pulsed dye laser is safe for the treatment of port-wine stains, telangiectases, and hemangiomas in children and adults.