Comparative efficacy of intense pulsed light for different erythema associated with rosacea

Objective: To compare the efficacy of intense pulsed light (IPL) (540–950nm) in treating different erythema associated with rosacea. Methods: Thirty-two patients with erythematotelangiectatic rosacea (ETR) (n = 16) and papulopustular rosacea (PPR, n = 16) were recruited. Three treatments of IPL (540–950nm) were administered on the face at 3-week intervals. Clinical improvement in erythema was independently assessed by two dermatologists using a quartile grading scale [0, ≤ 25% improvement (poor); 1, 26–50% improvement (fair); 2, 51–75% improvement (good); and 3, 76–100% improvement (excellent)]. Patient satisfaction was evaluated using a 10-point visual analog scale (VAS: 0, lowest; and 10, highest). Results: Thirty patients were involved in this study. All patients showed improvement in erythema after three sessions of IPL (540–950nm) treatment. Based on physician's assessment, the overall clinical improvement in PPR group was significantly higher (mean ± SD of PPR group, 2.167 ± 0.748 vs. ETR group, 1.400 ± 0.541; P = 0.003) and patient satisfaction was also higher in PPR group (mean ± SD of PPR group, 6.867 ± 1.457 vs. ETR group, 5.600 ± 1.502; P = 0.026). The proportion of patients showing > 75% clinical improvement among PPR group was also higher than that among ETR group (5/15 and 0/15, respectively; P = 0.021). Side effects were minimal and transient (erythema and/or edema) for patients. Conclusions: IPL (540–950nm) is a safe and effective treatment for rosacea-associated erythema, especially for perilesional erythema.