The Effect of Intense Pulsed Light Treatment on the Epidermal Melanocytic Lesions

Lee, Yang Won; Choe, Yong Bum; Ahn, Kyu Joong

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Intense pulsed light(IPL) systems are high intensity pulsed sources which emit noncoherent, defocused, polychromatic light in a broad wavelength spectrum of 400-1200nm. The mechanism of action of such light systems corresponds to the selective photothermolysis.Nowdays, IPL system widely used in dermatologic field such as unwanted hair removal, epidermal melanocytic lesions, vascular lesions, and photorejuvenation OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical results of diverse epidermal melanocytic lesions after treatment with an IPL source. METHOD: Twenty patients with epidermal melanocytic lesions were enlisted. IPL treatment was administered to the patients in a 4-week sessions. Irradiation wavelength was controlled using cutoff filters ranging from 400 to 700nm, with a fluence of 10-13.5J/cm2 with double pulse illumination and a pulse width of 7msec. RESULTS: By the end of the study, three attending physicians assessed the results for 85% of the subjects as excellent or good, with 85% of the patients reporting that same results; however, deep lesion such as Becker's nevus showed an average clearance of fair. No specific adverse effects except two case of blisters were observed after treatment. CONCLUSION: Treatment of epidermal melanocytic lesions in Asian skin using IPL is an effective, safe, and rapid treatment, with relatively few side effects and high patient satisfaction.