Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of intense pulsed light (IPL) to prevent temporary post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) and/or post-inflammatory erythema (PIE) induced by plasma exeresis treatment. Introduction: PIH and PIE are acquired conditions induced by various causes including skin injury, inflammatory dermatoses or cosmetic procedures, such as chemical peels, plasma exeresis or lasers. PIH and PIE can occur as a side effects of a plasma exeresis treatment in any skin type and often lead to psychosocial distress and decreased quality of life. Topical agents, chemical peels, laser, and light therapy are treatment options for PIH and PIE, but the results are often not up to expectations. Prevention of PIH and PIE is the real key solution. Materials / method: Ten caucasian volunteers were subjected, previous topical anesthesia, to plasma exeresis set with 870mW and 6Hz, on an internal area of both arms. The right arm of every person was treated by IPL, just before and every 7 days after the plasma treatment for 2 sessions, with parameters of 520 nm to 1200 nm wavelength, 15 J/cm2, divided in 3 pulses with 5-milliseconds pulse duration; 3 passes were made on the same area in the same session. “3 pulses”, “3 passes”, “3 pre-post treatment sessions” are specific of our 3P-mode IPL. At 1 month differences in healing between two sides were recorded. Results: After 1 month from plasma treatment, all 10 volunteers had the complete healing of the right arm; left arm presented in all cases PIH or PIE. In one case left arm presented infection with exudate, treated by topical gentamicin. Conclusion: Our 3-mode IPL treatment is effective and safe to prevent or attenuate the risk of PIH and PIE caused by plasma exeresis. Other acquired conditions of PIH and PIE could be prevented by 3-mode IPL.