Laser-Based Therapies in Rosacea: A Comprehensive Review of Mechanisms, Clinical Efficacy, and Future Directions

TL;DR

This paper reviews different laser therapies for rosacea, focusing on their mechanisms, effectiveness, and side effects.

Contribution

A comprehensive review of various laser therapies for rosacea, comparing their clinical efficacy and mechanisms.

Findings

Pulsed dye lasers are the gold standard for rosacea treatment due to high clinical efficacy.

KTP and IPL lasers offer similar results with fewer adverse effects.

Nd:YAG lasers are preferred for deeper skin lesions, while CO2 and Er:YAG lasers treat advanced cases like rhinophyma.

Abstract

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by erythematous, papular, and pustular lesions. Treatment for rosacea is tailored to the type and severity of lesions and the individual needs of the patient. The primary therapy involves topical and systemic treatments. Laser therapy is also an effective method. This review summarizes current knowledge on the application of pulsed dye lasers (PDLs), potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP) lasers, intense pulsed light (IPL), neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) lasers, carbon dioxide (CO2) lasers, and erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG) lasers in the treatment of rosacea. Research confirms that the PDL remains the gold standard, demonstrating excellent clinical efficacy. The KTP and IPL lasers provide comparable outcomes, with relatively fewer adverse effects. Due to its greater depth of penetration, the Nd:YAG laser is used to treat lesions in the deeper layers of the skin. In advanced forms of rosacea, such as rhinophyma, ablative lasers, including CO2 and Er:YAG, are employed. This review summarizes the mechanisms of action, therapeutic applications, and adverse effects associated with the use of various laser types in the management of rosacea.

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