Title : Efficacy of picosecond Q switched Nd yag laser in the treatment of melasma
Abstract:
Background: Melasma is an acquired symmetric hypermelanosis characterized by irregular light-to-deep brown macules on sun-exposed skin. The disease is far more common in people who live in locations that receive high-intensity UV radiation.Three clinical patterns are known: Centrofacial, malar, and mandibular. Based on visible light, Wood’s lamp examination, and skin histology, melasma can be divided into three types-Epidermal, Dermal and mixed types.
Aim: To assess the efficacy and safety of picosecond Q switched Nd-YAG laser (QSNY) in the treatment of melasma.
Type of study: Hospital based prospective interventional study.
Objectives:
1. To assess the MASI Score prior and post procedure with and without use of triple combination cream in melasma patients.
2. To analyze the effect and adverse effects of (QSNY) laser in treatment of melasma.
Materials: Akira Pico, Dermaindia(picosecond q switched Nd-YAG) laser, wood's lamp
Methods: 10 patients in the age group between 18-55 years of age were enrolled for this study. Out of these 5 were primed with sunscreen and triple combination cream and other 5 only with sunscreen for 2 weeks Wood's lamp examination, Grading Based On Subjective and objective Assessment were used.
Results: Patients treated with triple combination cream and QSNY showed better results than QSNY alone.
Conclusion: Post inflammatory pigmentation and rebound hyperpigmentation were the common side effects associated with QSNY particularly dark skinned people. However, by using QSNY combined with other treatment modalities like triple combination cream, recurrence rates as well as adverse events can be reduced, with or without superior efficacy compared to QSNY alone. Since there is still no cure and long-term relapse may be inevitable, patient counseling on the relapsing course and the importance of photoprotection is essential.
