Improvement of erythema dyschromicum perstans using a combination of the 1,550-nm erbium-doped fractionated laser and topical tacrolimus ointment

Lasers Surg Med. 2017 Jan;49(1):60-62. doi: 10.1002/lsm.22567. Epub 2016 Aug 23.

Abstract

Background and objective: Erythema dyschromicum perstans (EDP) is a cosmetically distressing, acquired pigmentary disorder of unknown etiology for which few successful therapies exist. Herein, we present the successful use of non-ablative fractional photothermolysis in combination with topical tacrolimus ointment.

Study design/patients and methods: A 35-year-old female with biopsy-confirmed EDP underwent a series of fractionated non-ablative treatment sessions utilizing the 1,550 nm erbium-doped fiber laser in combination with topical tacrolimus ointment over a period of 5 months.

Results: The patient's EDP improved by greater than 75% and results were maintained at the 8-month follow-up visit.

Conclusion: The combination of non-ablative fractional photothermolysis and topical tacrolimus ointment is a potential safe and effective therapeutic option for erythema dyschromicum perstans. Additional prospective, comparative studies are warranted. Lasers Surg. Med. 49:60-62, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Keywords: ashy dermatosis; edp; erythema dyschromicum perstans; fraxel; laser; nonablative 1550 nm erbium-doped fractionated laser; pigment disorder; pigmentary disorder.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Topical
  • Adult
  • Biopsy, Needle
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Erythema / pathology*
  • Erythema / therapy*
  • Esthetics
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Lasers, Solid-State / therapeutic use*
  • Lichenoid Eruptions / diagnosis
  • Lichenoid Eruptions / therapy
  • Low-Level Light Therapy / methods*
  • Patient Satisfaction / statistics & numerical data
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Tacrolimus / therapeutic use*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Tacrolimus