Efficacy of 1064 nm long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser for treatment of Trichostasis spinulosa in Thai patients with skin phototype III-V, A randomized single-blind split face controlled study

Jantakan Nitinawarat; Wannasri Sindhuphak

Authors

Jantakan Nitinawarat DIVISION OF DERMATOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF MEDICINE, FACULTY OF MEDICINE, CHULALONGKORN UNIVERSITY, BANGKOK, THAILAND
Wannasri Sindhuphak DIVISION OF DERMATOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF MEDICINE, FACULTY OF MEDICINE, CHULALONGKORN UNIVERSITY, BANGKOK, THAILAND

Keywords:

1064 nm long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser, Trichostasis spinulosa, Thai patients, Skin phototypes III-V

Abstract

Background: Trichostasis spinulosa (TS) is a relatively common follicular disorder, characterized clinically by spinous plugs that result from the retention of multiple vellus hairs within pilosebaceous follicles. Various topical treatments have been used with transient success but selective destruction of hair follicles using hair removal lasers may result in a definite cure.

Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy of 1064 nm long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser in the treatment of TS in Thai patients with skin phototype III-V.

Materials and Methods: 20 Thai-patients with untreated TS and skin phototypes III-V were enrolled in a randomized, single-blind split face controlled study. One side of the face was treated with 1064 nm long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser at fluences ranging from 30-42 J/cm² and a 3 ms. pulse width. All subjects received 4 consecutive treatments at 4-week intervals. At baseline, 4^thand 20^thweeks after last treatment, photographs were taken by VISIA. 3 blinded, independent dermatologists assessed from the photographs using a quartile grading system to rate clinical improvement relating to the numbers of dark, spinous plugs.

Result: 19 Thai patients with TS, age between 18 to 36 years, completed the study. There were statistically significant difference in degree of clinical improvement of TS both on 4^thand 20^thweeks after last treatment (p value = 0.001, 0.008 respectively by Wilcoxon signed rank test)

Conclusion: 1064 nm long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser was shown to decrease TS on nose in Thai patients compared with the control group.

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