Effectiveness and safety of ALA-IPL in treating actinic keratoses and photodamage.

BACKGROUND

Photorejuvenation involves the use of a light source or laser in reversing the signs of aging. The Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) has demonstrated effectiveness in treating signs of photodamage. Photodynamic therapy is a relatively new and promising treatment for actinic keratoses.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effectiveness of ALA-IPL in treating actinic keratoses as well as reversing the signs of aging.

METHODS

A retrospective trial of 17 patients treated with ALA-IPL. Patients were evaluated for improvement of telangiectasias, blotchy pigment, fine wrinkles, coarseness of skin and number of actinic keratoses. All side effects were recorded.

RESULTS

68% of actinic keratoses resolved after one treatment. There was a 55% improvement in telangiectasias, a 48% improvement in pigmentary irregularities and a 25% improvement in coarseness of skin texture. There was minimal change in fine wrinkle appearance. Side effects were minimal including mild erythema and edema for 3-5 days on average. No infections were noted.

CONCLUSIONS

ALA-IPL treatment is effective in treating both actinic keratoses and signs of photodamage. In this study, we achieved significant improvement after just one treatment. ALA-IPL is a safe, effective way to treat both actinic keratoses and photodamage with little down time.