Objective and quantitative improvement of rosacea-associated erythema after intense pulsed light treatment

BACKGROUND. Despite the widespread and quite successful use of various lasers and light sources to treat facial erythema, the literature contains little, if any, objective and quantitative improvement. In addition, very few studies specifically address rosacea-associated erythema. OBJECTIVE. To assess quantitatively the degree of improvement in patients with rosacea after intense pulsed light treatment. The three main parameters that were objectively measured were blood flow, telangiectasia, and erythema. METHODS. Four patients with rosacea-associated erythema and telangiectasia were treated five times at 3-week intervals with the Photoderm VL (Lumenis, Needham, MA). The 515-nm filter, a single pulse duration of 3 ms, and various fluences were used. Blood flow was measured by the scanning laser Doppler. Close-up photography ensured reproducibility and enabled quantification of telangiectasia and erythema by subsequent computer image analysis. Measurements were taken at baseline and at 1 month after the last treatment. RESULTS. The scanning laser Doppler demonstrated a 30% decrease in blood flow (P <0.05). A 29% decrease in actual area of the cheek occupied by telangiectasia was noted (P <0.05). A 21% decrease in the intensity of erythema was noted (P <0.05). CONCLUSION. As demonstrated by truly objective and quantitative means, intense pulsed light is effective for reducing rosacea-associated blood flow, telangiectasia, and erythema.