Resumo

Objectives: To explore the efficacy and clinical outcomes of using PhotoBoosters in conjunction with laser treatments for vascular diseases, specifically focusing on conditions such as flushing and rosacea. Introduction: PhotoBoosters are substances designed to amplify the therapeutic effects of laser or light-based treatments. Widely used in dermatology, these agents have shown promise in enhancing outcomes for various conditions, including acne, pigmentary disorders, tattoo removal, vascular diseases, and skin rejuvenation. This presentation will concentrate on the application of PhotoBoosters in vascular diseases, with an emphasis on their role in managing flushing and rosacea. Materials / method: We hypothesized that increased blood flow by pretreatment with topical niacin could enhance the effect of PDL in the treatment of rosacea. Eighteen Korean patients with rosacea were recruited. Three sessions of 585-nm PDL using a subpurpuragenic dose with and without pretreatment with niacin cream were performed on randomly assigned half-faces at 3-week intervals. Erythema was assessed objectively by a polarization colour imaging system, and evaluations were also made by three blinded dermatologists. Patient satisfaction was evaluated using a 10-point visual analogue scale. Results: Fifteen patients completed this study. All patients showed an improvement in erythema after three sessions of PDL treatment both with and without niacin pretreatment. There was no significant difference in the improvement of objective erythema between the two sides. However, based on physician assessment the overall clinical improvement on the niacin side was significantly higher, and patient satisfaction was also higher on the niacin-pretreated side. There were no remarkable side-effects, with the exception of transient erythema and edema. Conclusion: PhotoBoosters represent a valuable addition to laser therapy for vascular diseases, offering enhanced treatment efficacy and improved patient outcomes. The clinical experience presented highlights the potential benefits of integrating PhotoBoosters into treatment protocols for conditions such as flushing and rosacea. Further research and long-term studies are warranted to fully establish the role of PhotoBoosters in dermatological practice.