Sequential Use of CO2 Laser Prior to Nd:YAG and Dye Laser in the Management of Non-Facial Warts: A Retrospective Study

The Use of Ablative Nonfractional CO2 Laser for the Treatment of Periocular Lesions: A Retrospective Study

Background: In the eyelid region numerous lesions can develop, spanning from cosmetic imperfections to benign tumors and extending to inflammatory and precancerous lesions. Aim: This study aimed to treat benign periocular lesions with a CO2 laser and assess the effectiveness, the number of sessions required for resolution, and any potential side effects after the procedure. Materials and Methods: All patients were treated with a nonfractional ablative CO2 laser. The last evaluation and follow-up visit took place 2 months after the previous operation, with the clinical goal being the complete removal of the lesion. Before the first session and immediately afterward, clinical photographic documentation was completed, and it was done again 2 months after the final session. Patients were rated on a 4-point scale: none, mild, moderate, or severe. Results: A total of 715 patients were registered with different palpebral pathologies, all of whom showed good to excellent results with either no or mild adverse reactions. Conclusions: CO2 laser is effective and well tolerated to treat periocular lesions, despite the sensitivity of this region.

Laser Treatment in Nail Disorders: A Comprehensive Review

Background

Laser therapy has emerged as an innovative approach for managing various nail conditions, offering precise targeting, minimal invasiveness, and favorable safety profiles. This review analyzes the literature on laser therapy for nail indications, encompassing onychomycosis, nail psoriasis, nail warts, ingrown toenails, onychodystrophy, nail pigmentation disorders, and nail tumors.

Methods

PubMed and Google Scholar databases were searched to identify articles on laser therapy using specific key terms related to nail conditions (e.g., onychomycosis, nail psoriasis). Relevant articles were shortlisted based on laser treatment in nail disorders, its mechanisms of action, research outcomes, and clinical applications.

Results

Nd: YAG or CO2 lasers showed efficacy in onychomycosis by targeting fungal cells. Studies suggest that laser treatments offer comparable results to traditional therapies, often enhancing outcomes when combined with topical agents such as calcipotriol/betamethasone in nail psoriasis. For nail warts, ingrown toenails, onychodystrophy, and nail pigmentation disorders, lasers provide alternative or adjunctive therapies, achieving positive outcomes lesion clearance and symptom improvement. Conclusion: This review underscores the transformative potential of laser therapy in nail disorder management, providing clinicians with innovative treatment alternatives. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to refine protocols, evaluate long-term outcomes and explore its application in specific conditions such as nail tumors.

Superficial radiotherapy (SRT-100) for refractory plantar warts: An alternative noninvasive treatment strategy

BACKGROUND

Verrucas that occur on the soles of the feet are called plantar warts, most of which can recur repeatedly and are difficult to eradicate. Hypertrophic and refractory plantar warts are often accompanied by pain and discomfort, which cause many inconveniences in patients' daily lives.

AIM

This study aimed to analyze the therapeutic effect of superficial radiotherapy (SRT-100) on refractory plantar warts and further create favorable conditions for the subsequent treatment of this disease with a high recurrence rate.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted for refractory plantar warts treated with superficial radiotherapy in our outpatient department from January to June 2023.

RESULTS

A total of 30 patients were included in our study (median age, 33 years). The female-to-male ratio was 1:3.29. Two to six months after radiotherapy, all of the warts subsided in 23 (76.67%) patients, most of the warts subsided in 4 (13.33%) patients, 3 (10%) patients did not respond to treatment, and 7 (23.33%) patients had recurrent or new warts after their warts subsided.

CONCLUSIONS

Most patients with refractory plantar warts improved after superficial radiotherapy. Our study presented that men are more susceptible to plantar warts than women, and young and middle-aged people are the main population affected by the disease. Superficial radiotherapy is an effective treatment for refractory plantar warts, which can quickly remove the warts in a short period. It is safe and noninvasive, with minimal adverse reactions. Some patients relapse after the lesion is clear, and superficial radiotherapy can create favorable conditions for the subsequent treatment of viral warts in clinical practice.

A retrospective 10 years- experience overview of dye laser treatments for vascular pathologies

INTRODUCTION

The Flash-lamp pulsed dye laser (FPDL) is nowadays considered the most precise laser currently on the market for treating superficial vascular lesions. In this study, we gathered data from 10 years of experience regarding dye laser treatment of patients presenting vascular malformations such as telangiectasia, rhinophyma, port-wine stain, cherry and spider angioma and vascular tumours.

METHODS

Subjects were enrolled from 2013 to 2023 based on the vascular anomalies they presented. They underwent different treatment sessions with the FPDL device.

RESULTS

The age-range distribution by vascular anomaly confirmed that haemangiomas are typical in children while rhinophyma is a condition very common in older adults. A difference in sex distribution showed that pathologies such as telangiectasias typically affect women whereas rhinophyma is more frequent in men. Most of the treatments interested the face area but no permanent side effects were registered.

CONCLUSIONS

Our 10 years of experience with FPDL demonstrated good results in a wide range of applications for the treatment of different vascular anomalies. The absence of long-term side effects and bearable pain during the treatment makes it a valuable solution for the resolution of benign tumours also in very young patients.

Comparing Traditional and in Motion Nd:YAG Laser in Hair Removal: A Prospective Study

Background and Objectives: Hair removal is a common cosmetic problem interesting more and more patients nowadays. Various laser treatments are currently available. Alexandrite and Nd:YAG laser are the most effective procedures in lighter and darker skin phototypes, respectively. Materials and Methods: A total of 40 patients seeking hair removal in one or more body areas with skin phototypes 2-6 was recruited to perform this study. Patients were divided into two groups. One group was treated with the standard Nd:YAG hair removal procedure, while the other group was treated with a new "in motion" Nd:YAG technology. Results and hair removal rates were evaluated six months after the last treatment. Results: Out of 40 patients treated, all patients experienced hair reduction. No statistically significant difference in hair removal was noted between the two groups; however, a statistically significant reduction in pain during the procedure was observed in the group treated with the "in motion" technique. Conclusions: While traditional and "in motion" Nd:YAG techniques have similar result outcomes in hair removal, the "in motion" technology seems to guarantee a better safety profile compared with the traditional technique. A more extensive clinical study will be necessary to confirm our study's results.

Combination of Specific Vascular Lasers and Vascular Intense Pulsed Light Improves Facial Telangiectasias and Redness

Background and objectives: Facial telangiectasias are dilated blood vessels that can represent a cosmetic issue for patients. They may be associated with other conditions, such as rosacea. Laser and light treatments are nowadays becoming a cornerstone in the management of these lesions. Materials and Methods: In total, 68 patients seeking medical treatment for facial telangiectasias were enrolled from 1 March 2019 to 1 March 2020 at the Dermatological Unit of Magna Graecia University (Catanzaro, Italy). A protocol consisting of a 1064 Nd:YAG laser for darker blue telangiectasias and 532 nm Nd:YAG for red lesions followed by intense pulsed light with an optimized spectrum for vascular lesion 3 weeks after the first procedure was proposed. A three-month follow-up visit assessed patient’s satisfaction using a visual analog scale (VAS). Two dermatologists measured clinical results using a 4-point scale, comparing pictures before treatment and at follow-up. Results: A total of 68 patients (32 males and 36 females) completed the study, performing all requested treatments. No severe side effects were reported. Patient satisfaction was very high (8.15 ± 1.05 out of a 10-point VAS scale), as well as dermatologists’ clinical evaluations (2.19 ± 0.74 out of 3). Conclusions: The combination of vascular lasers and Vascular Intense Pulsed Light acting specifically on small blood vessels may help to improve the aesthetic outcome, reducing side effects. A prospective study with a larger number of participants will be necessary to confirm this study’s findings.

Clinical Evaluation on the Performance and Safety of a Non-Ablative Fractional 1340 nm Laser for the Treatment of Stretch Marks in Adolescents and Young Adults: A Case Series

A large part of the world’s population suffers from Striae distensae (SD) or stretch marks, which create physical and psychological discomfort in people. We evaluate the SD clinical improvement by using a non-ablative fractional Nd:YAP 1340 nm laser. The research was performed on 25 patients of both sexes, with a mean age of 31 ± 13.09 years. Each patient underwent from a minimum of 3 to a maximum of 4 treatments, with an Nd:YAP (1340 nm) medical device, every four weeks, with 3- and 6-month follow-up, in these areas: back, abdomen, breast, flanks, lower limbs, buttocks, and thighs. Manchester Scar Scale assessed stretch marks improvement. Side effects, patient pain, and SD overall appearance improvement were also recorded for all patients. Digital photographs measured the aesthetic results. Treatment was well-tolerated (pain score 1.08 ± 0.76) by all patients. There were no long-term side effects, and 88% of patients revealed an SD excellent improvement showing good aesthetic results achieved by the treatment. The total mean pretreatment Manchester Scar Scale score decreased from 13.80 (±1.58) to 10.36 (±1.70) after 3 months (p < 0.01) and to 8.36 (±1.07) after 6 months (p < 0.01). An Nd:YAP (1340 nm) laser seems to be a safe and effective treatment, showing a higher security profile with no side effects.