Treatment of pigmented keratosis pilaris in Asian patients with a novel Q-switched Nd:YAG laser

Abstract

Background: Treatment for most cases of keratosis pilaris requires simple reassurance and general skin care recommendations. Many Asian patients find lesions due to pigmented keratosis pilaris to be cosmetically unappealing. Treatment of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation using a 1064-nm Q-switched Nd:YAG laser with low fluence is reported. Objective: To investigate the efficacy of a novel Q-switched Nd:YAG laser for the treatment of pigmented keratosis pilaris in Asian patients. Methods: Ten patients with pigmented keratosis pilaris underwent five weekly treatments using a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser (RevLite^®; HOYA ConBio^®, Freemont, CA, USA) at 1064 nm with a 6-mm spot size and a fluence of 5.9 J/cm². Photographic documentation was obtained at baseline and 2 months after the final treatment. Results: Clinical improvement was achieved in all 10 patients with minimal adverse effects. Conclusion: For the treatment of keratosis pilaris, the use of a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser can be helpful for improving cosmetic appearance as it can improve pigmentation.

Key words::

• keratosis pilaris
• post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
• Q-switched Nd:YAG laser

Declaration of interest: The author has no conflict of interest to disclose. The author alone is responsible for the content and writing of the paper.