Treatment with Narrow-Band Intense Pulsed Light Improves Rosacea

Rosacea, a skin condition marked by facial redness and visible blood vessels, has long been a challenge to handle. While various laser and light-based treatments have shown promise, the specific impact of narrow-band intense pulsed light had not been extensively explored until now. So, Hualing Shi and team carried this restrospective analysis.

This study published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology found the efficacy of narrow-band intense pulsed light (500-600 nm) in successfully treating erythematotelangiectatic rosacea among the Chinese population.

The study included 45 Chinese individuals with erythematotelangiectatic rosacea. These participants underwent three sessions of narrow-band intense pulsed light treatment between July 2016 and December 2018. Clinical improvements were meticulously evaluated using the clinician erythema assessment scale and a 5-grade scale.

After three treatment sessions, the study found an impressive effectiveness rate of 68.9%, with 35.6% of patients achieving an excellent outcome. Those who experienced significant clearance of erythema and telangiectasia required only an average of two sessions. Also, aside from transient erythema and edema, no severe adverse effects were noted.

This research marks a significant step in rosacea treatment. Narrow-band intense pulsed light emerges as not only a safe but also an effective therapy for erythematotelangiectatic rosacea. The findings suggest that even a limited number of treatment sessions can yield substantial therapeutic effects, potentially revolutionizing clinical practices in managing this challenging skin condition.

As narrow-band intense pulsed light showcases its potential in treating rosacea, the outcomes open a new avenue for dermatological practices. The ability to achieve notable findings with a reduced number of sessions could enhance patient experience and adherence to treatment regimens, signaling a positive shift in rosacea management.

Reference:

Shi, H., Zhang, E., Zhang, M., & Lin, T. (2023). Narrow-Band Intense Pulsed Light as Treatment for Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea: A Retrospective Study. In Journal of Drugs in Dermatology (Vol. 22, Issue 11, pp. 1095–1098). SanovaWorks. https://doi.org/10.36849/jdd.4920