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Topical niacin cream‐assisted 595‐nm pulsed‐dye laser treatment for facial flushing: retrospective analysis of 25 Korean patients
Author(s) -
Lee S.J.,
Roh M.R.,
Lee S.H.,
Chung W.S.,
Lee J.E.,
Oh S.H.,
Cho S.B.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
journal of the european academy of dermatology and venereology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.655
H-Index - 107
eISSN - 1468-3083
pISSN - 0926-9959
DOI - 10.1111/j.1468-3083.2011.04006.x
Subject(s) - flushing , medicine , erythema , niacin , provocation test , dermatology , surgery , pathology , endocrinology , alternative medicine
Background Flushing is defined clinically as a transient reddening of the face and other areas. Due to the transient nature of flushing, a patient may not show signs of flushing during laser treatment. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of 595‐nm pulsed‐dye laser treatment of flushing or erythema after provocation of flushing by topical niacin cream. Methods We retrospectively reviewed a total of 25 Korean patients with facial flushing who were treated with three sessions of 595‐nm pulsed‐dye laser after the application of topical niacin cream. Results Follow‐up results revealed that 12 of the 25 patients demonstrated marked (51–75%) clinical improvement of baseline facial erythema. Eight patients had moderate (26–50%) improvement and three demonstrated near total (≥75%) improvement. Two patients showed minimal to no (0–25%) improvement. We observed that the reactivity to topical niacin cream was markedly reduced in 64% of our patients after 595‐nm pulsed‐dye laser treatments. Minimal post‐therapy facial oedema was noted in most of the patients, which usually resolved spontaneously within 2 days. Pronounced facial swelling was observed in four patients. Conclusion We suggest that 595‐nm pulsed‐dye laser treatment after provocation of flushing by topical niacin cream may provide a new treatment algorithm for facial flushing in Asians.