Pulsed dye laser feasible for steroid-induced atrophic scars

(HealthDay)—Pulsed dye laser therapy seems feasible for treating steroid-induced atrophic scars, according to a study published online Aug. 18 in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology.

Parvin Mansouri, M.D., from the Tehran University of Medical Sciences in Iran, and colleagues examined the efficacy and safety of pulsed dye laser in the treatment of steroid-induced atrophic scars in a pilot study involving 15 patients (13 female, two male; aged 25 to 59 years). Patients, who had one or more atrophic patches, were treated with a 585-nm pulsed dye laser at four-week interval sessions until they achieved complete improvement or were lost to follow-up. Standard photographic methods were used to assess clinical outcome before each treatment session and after the final visit. The photographs were evaluated by an independent dermatologist.

The researchers found that all patients experienced some degree of improvement, with the exception of one patient who withdrew after three sessions. The treatment was well-tolerated.

"The results of our study indicated that pulsed dye laser therapy could be employed as a new method in the treatment of steroid-induced atrophic scars," the authors write. "Pulsed dye laser might affect the lesions through inducing collagen deposition and production of more superficial dermal elastin as well as less unidirectional collagen in clusters."