Ann Dermatol.  2011 Aug;23(3):293-298. 10.5021/ad.2011.23.3.293.

A Pilot Study of Q-switched 1064-nm Nd:YAG Laser Treatment in the Keratosis Pilaris

• Park J
• Kim BJ
• Kim MN
• Lee CK

• KMID: 2171919
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5021/ad.2011.23.3.293

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Keratosis pilaris (KP) is a keratinization disorder that is characterized by follicular hyperkeratosis, with surrounding erythema. Topical treatments are widely used, but their effects are limited.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effectiveness of the Q-switched 1064-nm Nd:YAG laser for the treatment of KP.
METHODS
Total of 12 patients with KP were treated with a Q-switched 1064-nm Nd:YAG laser. Ten sessions of laser treatment were delivered once every two weeks. The entire lesions were treated with the following laser settings: 4.0~5.0 J/cm2, 4-mm spot size, and three passes. Two dermatologists' clinical evaluations and patients' satisfaction were assessed between before treatment (baseline) and at 1 month after the last treatment.
RESULTS
Eleven of the twelve patients showed more than grade 2 (>25%) improvement in texture and dyspigmentation in KP lesions, respectively. A half of the patients (50%) showed more than 50% improvement in the skin texture. Regarding dyspigmentation, five patients (41.7%) showed more than 50% improvement. Eleven out of twelve participants were satisfied (>25% of the Patients' self assessment) with the procedure. No significant adverse effect was observed.
CONCLUSION
Although the Q-switched 1064-nm laser treatment may not be the first line therapy for KP, it might be a new treatment option for the patients with recalcitrant KP.

Keyword

Keratosis pilaris; Laser therapy; Nd:YAG laser

MeSH Terms

Abnormalities, Multiple
Darier Disease
Erythema
Eyebrows
Humans
Keratins
Keratosis
Laser Therapy
Pilot Projects
Skin
Abnormalities, Multiple
Darier Disease
Eyebrows
Keratins

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 A 18-year old female patient with keratosis pilaris (Patient 4) showed Grade 1 improvement in the skin texture and Grade 2 improvement in dyspigmentation. The patients' self assessment was 'slightly satisfied' (25~50% improvement). (a) Before the first treatment and (b) one month after the last treatment.

• 

  Fig. 2 A 18-year old female patient with keratosis pilaris (Patient 5) showed Grade 3 improvement in the skin texture and Grade 3 improvement in dyspigmentation. The patients' self assessment was 'very satisfied' (>75% improvement). (a) Before the first treatment and (b) one month after the last treatment.

• 

  Fig. 3 A 24-year old female patient with keratosis pilaris (Patient 8) showed Grade 4 improvement in the skin texture and Grade 4 improvement in dyspigmentation. The patients' self assessment was 'very satisfied' (>75% improvement). (a) Before the first treatment and (b) one month after the last treatment.

• 

  Fig. 4 Skin biopsy taken from the skin on the back of Patient 5. (a) Before the first treatment and (b) one month after the last treatment. The features of mild hyperkeratosis, perivascular mononuclear cell infiltration and follicular plugging improved after treatment (H&E, ×100).

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