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  • Title: [Laser therapy in dermatology].
    Author: St Lautenschlager.
    Journal: Ther Umsch; 1998 Aug; 55(8):522-8. PubMed ID: 9757820.
    Abstract:
    The use of lasers for cutaneous lesions has expanded rapidly since its inception in the early 1960s. The principle of selective photothermolysis dramatically improved the efficacy and safety of dermatologic laser systems. Selective photothermolysis is accomplished by choosing an appropriate wavelength and pulse duration. According to the target chromophores (hemoglobin, melanin and H2O), lasers may be grossly divided into 3 groups; systems to treat vascular lesions, pigmented lesions and the surgical lasers for skin ablation. Although vascular lesions can be treated with many lasers, the flash lamp pumped dye laser remains the laser of choice for port wine stains. Cw-lasers can treat telangiectases without purpura and are safer when used in conjunction with scanning devices. Q-switched lasers have enhanced our ability to treat pigmented lesions, especially tattoos. The carbon dioxide laser remains the "workhorse" in dermatology. Safety and versatility are maximized when coupled with a scanning device or utilized in a high-powered, rapidly pulsed mode. Despite the expanding list of laser-responsive lesions, other therapeutic modalities, sometimes at least equally effective and cheaper, must be carefully considered. This requires skill in dermatology and basic laser principles. Lasers add a substantial dimension in treating various skin disorders but are increasingly fraught with overuse.
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