Pigmentation Disorders

In the May 2013 issue of the British Journal of Dermatology (2013;168:1040-1046) Gao et al reported on a side-by-side comparison of the use of photodynamic therapy (PDT) versus the pulsed dye laser (PDL) for the treatment of 9 red and 6 purple port-wine stains (PWSs). Fifteen patients (age range, 11–36 years) with PWSs were chosen and 2 adjacent areas of the lesion were randomly assigned to receive either a single PDL treatment or a single PDT session. Eleven lesions were on the neck area, 3 on the upper arm, and 1 on the upper leg. The PDL had a wavelength of 585 nm, and PDT was performed with intravenous hematoporphyrin monomethyl ether and a low-power copper vapor laser (510.6 and 578.2 nm, respectively). The PDT-treated area was done 30 minutes after the PDL-treated area with the other areas being covered. The clinical outcome was measured colorimetrically (blanching rates) and visually.

For the red PWSs the blanching rates at 2 months with the PDL were 11% to 24% and 22% to 55% with PDT (P=.006). For the purple PWSs, blanching rates ranged from 8% to 33% with PDL and 30% to 45% with PDT (P=.0313). Two patients with purple PWSs showed no response to either PDT or PDL. All PDT sites developed localized edema, and all PDL sites developed edema, blistering, purpura, and crusts. Four patients with red PWSs developed hyperpigmentation at the PDL sites.

What’s the issue?
Although there have been studies showing that PDT is an effective treatment of PWSs, this study is a side-by-side quantitative comparison of PDL versus PDT. This study showed that PDT is as effective and as safe as PDL and possibly superior for the treatment of red and purple flat PWSs. This study represents promising steps forward in PDT treatment of dermatologic conditions.

Even though PDL therapy is considered the current standard for treatment of PWSs, this study does show good clearance with PDT. Pulsed dye laser therapy has been more readily available in North America and Europe, though in China, where this study took place, it is not common. The PDT in this study utilized an intravenous photosensitizer, which may not be suitable for all patients. Other limitations of this study include the small sample size and the possibility that treating the lesion halves in close proximity to each other may compound adverse effects. Because each half of the lesion (close proximity to one another) was treated, the effects of each treatment may have been compounded.

Could PDT become an adjuvant treatment in the armamentarium for resistant port-wine stains?

We want to know your views! Tell us what you think.

In the May 2013 issue of the British Journal of Dermatology (2013;168:1040-1046) Gao et al reported on a side-by-side comparison of the use of photodynamic therapy (PDT) versus the pulsed dye laser (PDL) for the treatment of 9 red and 6 purple port-wine stains (PWSs). Fifteen patients (age range, 11–36 years) with PWSs were chosen and 2 adjacent areas of the lesion were randomly assigned to receive either a single PDL treatment or a single PDT session. Eleven lesions were on the neck area, 3 on the upper arm, and 1 on the upper leg. The PDL had a wavelength of 585 nm, and PDT was performed with intravenous hematoporphyrin monomethyl ether and a low-power copper vapor laser (510.6 and 578.2 nm, respectively). The PDT-treated area was done 30 minutes after the PDL-treated area with the other areas being covered. The clinical outcome was measured colorimetrically (blanching rates) and visually.

For the red PWSs the blanching rates at 2 months with the PDL were 11% to 24% and 22% to 55% with PDT (P=.006). For the purple PWSs, blanching rates ranged from 8% to 33% with PDL and 30% to 45% with PDT (P=.0313). Two patients with purple PWSs showed no response to either PDT or PDL. All PDT sites developed localized edema, and all PDL sites developed edema, blistering, purpura, and crusts. Four patients with red PWSs developed hyperpigmentation at the PDL sites.

What’s the issue?
Although there have been studies showing that PDT is an effective treatment of PWSs, this study is a side-by-side quantitative comparison of PDL versus PDT. This study showed that PDT is as effective and as safe as PDL and possibly superior for the treatment of red and purple flat PWSs. This study represents promising steps forward in PDT treatment of dermatologic conditions.

Even though PDL therapy is considered the current standard for treatment of PWSs, this study does show good clearance with PDT. Pulsed dye laser therapy has been more readily available in North America and Europe, though in China, where this study took place, it is not common. The PDT in this study utilized an intravenous photosensitizer, which may not be suitable for all patients. Other limitations of this study include the small sample size and the possibility that treating the lesion halves in close proximity to each other may compound adverse effects. Because each half of the lesion (close proximity to one another) was treated, the effects of each treatment may have been compounded.

Could PDT become an adjuvant treatment in the armamentarium for resistant port-wine stains?

We want to know your views! Tell us what you think.

In the May 2013 issue of the British Journal of Dermatology (2013;168:1040-1046) Gao et al reported on a side-by-side comparison of the use of photodynamic therapy (PDT) versus the pulsed dye laser (PDL) for the treatment of 9 red and 6 purple port-wine stains (PWSs). Fifteen patients (age range, 11–36 years) with PWSs were chosen and 2 adjacent areas of the lesion were randomly assigned to receive either a single PDL treatment or a single PDT session. Eleven lesions were on the neck area, 3 on the upper arm, and 1 on the upper leg. The PDL had a wavelength of 585 nm, and PDT was performed with intravenous hematoporphyrin monomethyl ether and a low-power copper vapor laser (510.6 and 578.2 nm, respectively). The PDT-treated area was done 30 minutes after the PDL-treated area with the other areas being covered. The clinical outcome was measured colorimetrically (blanching rates) and visually.

For the red PWSs the blanching rates at 2 months with the PDL were 11% to 24% and 22% to 55% with PDT (P=.006). For the purple PWSs, blanching rates ranged from 8% to 33% with PDL and 30% to 45% with PDT (P=.0313). Two patients with purple PWSs showed no response to either PDT or PDL. All PDT sites developed localized edema, and all PDL sites developed edema, blistering, purpura, and crusts. Four patients with red PWSs developed hyperpigmentation at the PDL sites.

What’s the issue?
Although there have been studies showing that PDT is an effective treatment of PWSs, this study is a side-by-side quantitative comparison of PDL versus PDT. This study showed that PDT is as effective and as safe as PDL and possibly superior for the treatment of red and purple flat PWSs. This study represents promising steps forward in PDT treatment of dermatologic conditions.

Even though PDL therapy is considered the current standard for treatment of PWSs, this study does show good clearance with PDT. Pulsed dye laser therapy has been more readily available in North America and Europe, though in China, where this study took place, it is not common. The PDT in this study utilized an intravenous photosensitizer, which may not be suitable for all patients. Other limitations of this study include the small sample size and the possibility that treating the lesion halves in close proximity to each other may compound adverse effects. Because each half of the lesion (close proximity to one another) was treated, the effects of each treatment may have been compounded.

Could PDT become an adjuvant treatment in the armamentarium for resistant port-wine stains?

We want to know your views! Tell us what you think.

MIAMI BEACH – When considering dermal fillers for skin of color patients, remember that fewer injections can help reduce the risk of keloid formation and pigmentary changes, Dr. Valerie D. Callender said at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.

People with skin of color made up 20% of the patient population seeking cosmetic procedures in 2011, and they are the fastest-growing demographic group in the U.S. population, Dr. Callender said. Dermatologists can expect to see more patients with ethnic skin in their practices, and it’s important for them to remember that not all aging skin is created equal, and that different techniques come into play for different skin types, she added.

Aging in ethnic facial skin differs from aging in lighter skin, mainly because of the photoprotective effect of melanin against UV radiation, said Dr. Callender. The effects of photodamage usually appear 10-20 years later in skin of color patients and with less severity.

"Your typical skin of color patient is 45 years old, has some volume loss, some infraorbital hollowing, and is definitely concerned about laugh lines," said Dr. Callender.

"The No. 1 tip is to minimize the number of injections to minimize the risk of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation," she emphasized. "If there is erythema, apply a topical corticosteroid."

Hyaluronic acid fillers are among the top five nonsurgical cosmetic procedures in the United States, but there is a paucity of published studies in skin of color patients, said Dr. Callender of Howard University, Washington. The population included in large, pivotal clinical studies is composed mainly of white patients, and even if these studies include a subset of skin of color patients, they don’t specifically report on treatment and safety outcomes in those patients, Dr. Callender said.

Dr. Callender listed several published and unpublished studies including data on the use of fillers in patients with Fitzpatrick Skin Types IV to VI. The products studied included Restylane, Perlane, Juvéderm Ultra and Ultra Plus, Hylaform, Hylaform Plus, Captique, Belotero Balance, and Radiesse.

Pigmentary changes were common throughout the studies, but they did not affected more than 9% of the study population, according to Dr. Callender. In the Radiesse study, the authors concluded that lack of pigmentary changes may have occurred from a deeper injection level, compared with HA fillers, she noted. No keloids or scarring were reported at 6 months’ follow-up and the investigators used a 25- to 27-gauge needle (Dermatol. Surg. 2009; 35:1641-5).

There have been no formal clinical trials evaluating safety of Sculptra in skin of color patients, said Dr. Callender, director of Callender Dermatology & Cosmetic Center, Glenn Dale, Md. However, the investigators in a 2010 study advised clinicians to lower the injection time, use proper product reconstitution and proper produce placement, perform immediate and postoperative massage, and avoid Sculptra on patients with a history of keloids in order to reduce the risk of adverse events (J. Drugs Dermatol. 2010;9:451-6).

Dr. Callender has been a consultant and investigator for Allergan, Galderma, Medicis, and Merz.

[email protected]

On Twitter @NaseemSMiller

MIAMI BEACH – When considering dermal fillers for skin of color patients, remember that fewer injections can help reduce the risk of keloid formation and pigmentary changes, Dr. Valerie D. Callender said at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.

People with skin of color made up 20% of the patient population seeking cosmetic procedures in 2011, and they are the fastest-growing demographic group in the U.S. population, Dr. Callender said. Dermatologists can expect to see more patients with ethnic skin in their practices, and it’s important for them to remember that not all aging skin is created equal, and that different techniques come into play for different skin types, she added.

Aging in ethnic facial skin differs from aging in lighter skin, mainly because of the photoprotective effect of melanin against UV radiation, said Dr. Callender. The effects of photodamage usually appear 10-20 years later in skin of color patients and with less severity.

"Your typical skin of color patient is 45 years old, has some volume loss, some infraorbital hollowing, and is definitely concerned about laugh lines," said Dr. Callender.

"The No. 1 tip is to minimize the number of injections to minimize the risk of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation," she emphasized. "If there is erythema, apply a topical corticosteroid."

Hyaluronic acid fillers are among the top five nonsurgical cosmetic procedures in the United States, but there is a paucity of published studies in skin of color patients, said Dr. Callender of Howard University, Washington. The population included in large, pivotal clinical studies is composed mainly of white patients, and even if these studies include a subset of skin of color patients, they don’t specifically report on treatment and safety outcomes in those patients, Dr. Callender said.

Dr. Callender listed several published and unpublished studies including data on the use of fillers in patients with Fitzpatrick Skin Types IV to VI. The products studied included Restylane, Perlane, Juvéderm Ultra and Ultra Plus, Hylaform, Hylaform Plus, Captique, Belotero Balance, and Radiesse.

Pigmentary changes were common throughout the studies, but they did not affected more than 9% of the study population, according to Dr. Callender. In the Radiesse study, the authors concluded that lack of pigmentary changes may have occurred from a deeper injection level, compared with HA fillers, she noted. No keloids or scarring were reported at 6 months’ follow-up and the investigators used a 25- to 27-gauge needle (Dermatol. Surg. 2009; 35:1641-5).

There have been no formal clinical trials evaluating safety of Sculptra in skin of color patients, said Dr. Callender, director of Callender Dermatology & Cosmetic Center, Glenn Dale, Md. However, the investigators in a 2010 study advised clinicians to lower the injection time, use proper product reconstitution and proper produce placement, perform immediate and postoperative massage, and avoid Sculptra on patients with a history of keloids in order to reduce the risk of adverse events (J. Drugs Dermatol. 2010;9:451-6).

Dr. Callender has been a consultant and investigator for Allergan, Galderma, Medicis, and Merz.

[email protected]

On Twitter @NaseemSMiller

MIAMI BEACH – When considering dermal fillers for skin of color patients, remember that fewer injections can help reduce the risk of keloid formation and pigmentary changes, Dr. Valerie D. Callender said at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.

People with skin of color made up 20% of the patient population seeking cosmetic procedures in 2011, and they are the fastest-growing demographic group in the U.S. population, Dr. Callender said. Dermatologists can expect to see more patients with ethnic skin in their practices, and it’s important for them to remember that not all aging skin is created equal, and that different techniques come into play for different skin types, she added.

Aging in ethnic facial skin differs from aging in lighter skin, mainly because of the photoprotective effect of melanin against UV radiation, said Dr. Callender. The effects of photodamage usually appear 10-20 years later in skin of color patients and with less severity.

"Your typical skin of color patient is 45 years old, has some volume loss, some infraorbital hollowing, and is definitely concerned about laugh lines," said Dr. Callender.

"The No. 1 tip is to minimize the number of injections to minimize the risk of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation," she emphasized. "If there is erythema, apply a topical corticosteroid."

Hyaluronic acid fillers are among the top five nonsurgical cosmetic procedures in the United States, but there is a paucity of published studies in skin of color patients, said Dr. Callender of Howard University, Washington. The population included in large, pivotal clinical studies is composed mainly of white patients, and even if these studies include a subset of skin of color patients, they don’t specifically report on treatment and safety outcomes in those patients, Dr. Callender said.

Dr. Callender listed several published and unpublished studies including data on the use of fillers in patients with Fitzpatrick Skin Types IV to VI. The products studied included Restylane, Perlane, Juvéderm Ultra and Ultra Plus, Hylaform, Hylaform Plus, Captique, Belotero Balance, and Radiesse.

Pigmentary changes were common throughout the studies, but they did not affected more than 9% of the study population, according to Dr. Callender. In the Radiesse study, the authors concluded that lack of pigmentary changes may have occurred from a deeper injection level, compared with HA fillers, she noted. No keloids or scarring were reported at 6 months’ follow-up and the investigators used a 25- to 27-gauge needle (Dermatol. Surg. 2009; 35:1641-5).

There have been no formal clinical trials evaluating safety of Sculptra in skin of color patients, said Dr. Callender, director of Callender Dermatology & Cosmetic Center, Glenn Dale, Md. However, the investigators in a 2010 study advised clinicians to lower the injection time, use proper product reconstitution and proper produce placement, perform immediate and postoperative massage, and avoid Sculptra on patients with a history of keloids in order to reduce the risk of adverse events (J. Drugs Dermatol. 2010;9:451-6).

Dr. Callender has been a consultant and investigator for Allergan, Galderma, Medicis, and Merz.

[email protected]

On Twitter @NaseemSMiller