Pilot Study Finds Adding Topical Imiquimod To Laser Therapy Improves The Response Of Port Wine Stain ...( Two-thirds o...)

Two-thirds of all port wine stain birthmarks occur on the face. As such, there is a strong need for an effective, long-lasting treatment that safely fades these reddish-purple skin lesions that can have a huge impact on a patient's physical and emotional well-being. Now, a new study evaluating the combined use of pulsed dye laser (PDL) therapy and topical Imiquimod to treat port wine stain birthmarks shows promising results.

Wausau, Wisconsin (PRWEB) November 18, 2008 -- Two-thirds of all port wine stain birthmarks occur on the face. As such, there is a strong need for an effective, long-lasting treatment that safely fades these reddish-purple skin lesions that can have a huge impact on a patient's physical and emotional well-being. Now, a new study evaluating the combined use of pulsed dye laser (PDL) therapy and topical Imiquimod to treat port wine stain birthmarks shows promising results.
   
In the article entitled "Pilot Study Examining the Combined Use of Pulsed Dye Laser and Topical Imiquimod Versus Laser Alone for Treatment of Port Wine Stain Birthmarks," researchers studied 20 Asian patients with port wine stain birthmarks who were treated with either regimens of PDL plus Imiquimod; PDL alone; or Imiquimod alone. Recently published in Lasers in Surgery and Medicine (October 2008 issue), the peer-reviewed professional journal of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, the clinical study was headed by lead investigator Cheng-Jen Chang, MD, PhD, associate professor in the department of plastic surgery at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University in Taipei, Taiwan.

"Although the pulsed dye laser has become the treatment of choice for port wine stain birthmarks, only 10 percent to 20 percent of patients obtain 100 percent fading of these birthmarks even after multiple treatments," said Martin C. Mihm, Jr., MD, co-au
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