LA&HA - Journal of the Laser and Health Academy
Volume: 2013
| number:
2
ISSN (print):1855-9913
|
ISSN (web): 1855-9921
CASE REPORT: Q-Switched Nd:YAG Laser Treatment of Phytophotodermatitis Caused by Contact with Plants from Umbelliferae Species
Jasmina Kozarev
Pages: 38-41
Phytophotodermatitis (PPD) or plant dermatitis is a common cutaneous phototoxic reaction. Acute dermatitis is a result of interaction of plant compounds, most often psoralens, with human skin and ultraviolet light, principally long wave UVA 320-400 nm.
This paper presents Q-switched 1064 nm laser treatment of two cases with phytophotodermatitis caused by contact with phototoxic substances found in the vegetable family Umbilliferae (celery and parsley). Celery contains furanocoumarins, including psoralens, xanthotoxin, bergapten and 5-methoxypsoralen, which are chemicals that react to sunlight.
Following an acute inflammatory phase, and 96 hours after contact with plants, two female patients underwent low fluence Q-switched Nd:YAG 1064 nm laser treatment. The entire hyperpigmented area was treated homogeneously; with three to five passes of laser irradiation. Three days after the procedure, the whole treated area appeared homogeneously pink, with smooth texture. Complete re-coloration took seven days, during which a temporary skin color contrast was hardly noticeable.
This case report highlights the underappreciated immunoregulatory influence of laser light on the inflammatory process. Low fluence Q-switched Nd:YAG laser light proved to be efficacious and safe for fast clearance of hyperpigmentation caused by PPD inflammation.
Key words: phytophotodermatitis, Q-switched Nd:YAG 1064 nm laser, hyperpigmentation
Article: J. LA&HA, Vol. 2013, No.2; pp.38-41.