Potassium Titanyl Phosphate Laser Versus Pulsed Dye Laser for Rosacea - a Prospective Study

Potassium Titanyl Phosphate Laser Versus Pulsed Dye Laser for Rosacea - a Prospective Case-Control Study

Rosacea is a common, chronic inflammatory skin disease that usually affects the cheeks, nose, forehead, and chin [1]. Clinically, it presents initially with transient erythema (flushing) and telangiectasia. As it progresses, persistent erythema and papules and pustules appear. Phymatous changes result from hypertrophy of the sebaceous glands, and usually manifest as rhinophyma, gnatophyma, and metophyma [2]. Depending on the literature, rosacea has a prevalence of 1% to 22% [3]. Time of manifestation of the disease is usually between 30 and 50 years [4]. Women are more frequently affected [4]. For laser treatment of rosacea, the pulsed dye laser (PDL) with a wavelength of 595nm is frequently used. The treatment includes at least three sessions at intervals of about 4 weeks and leads to lightening and reduction of the lesions as well as reduction of papules and pustules. Various clinical studies have already demonstrated the high efficacy of PDL [5-7]. The treatment is painless, and local or general anesthesia is not necessary. The KTP laser is also an option in the treatment of rosacea. Due to the more stable technology of the frequency-doubled Nd:YAG (KTP) and associated lower maintenance problems, this laser system appears to be a safer and more reliable treatment option for rosacea patients.

assessment scale 0 - 4 (normal skin - severe erythema) evaluated by physician and blinded investigator

Inclusion Criteria: Men and women 18 years and older Good general health, no relevant previous diseases Presence of rosacea Cognitive ability and willingness to give consent (Informed Consent) Exclusion Criteria: Age < 18 years Pregnant and breastfeeding women Significant open wounds or lesions of the region to be treated Metallic implants in the region to be treated Missing consent and/or data protection declarations

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