Lasers in dermatology are often perceived as only for cosmetic enhancement.
Photodynamic therapy, PDT is the most important and least appreciated laser technology. In Europe PDT is used to treat skin cancers. PDT prevents skin cancer and treats pre-cancers of the skin. Yet, few US dermatologists use PDT but rather freeze actinic keratoses or excise skin cancers only after they’ve developed. Currently research is examining laser-assisted imaging systems that would allow a dermatologist to view skin cancer down to the microscopic level while it’s still on the skin. Other conditions treated by PDT include treating cystic acne, actinic chelitis, basal cell carcinoma nevus syndrome and disseminated porokeratosis, acne keloidalis nuchae, pseudofolliculitis barbae and hidradenitis suppurativa.
Another promising possibility is nano suturing — utilizing light generated by medical lasers in conjunction with light-activated dyes such as Rose Bengal to close surgical wounds without stitches.
Regarding the treatment of port wine stains with vascular lasers recent research reinforces that patients fare best if physicians begin treating these problems early. One can treat an infant with port wine stain as early as 2 weeks of age and every two weeks thereafter. Port wine stains that had failed treatment with the PDL, a study has shown the alexandrite can produce excellent results.
Port Wine Stain