Treatment of exogenous ochronosis with a Q-switched alexandrite (755 nm) laser.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Exogenous ochronosis is a cutaneous disorder characterized by blue-black or slate-gray hyperpigmentation resulting from the prolonged use of certain topical agents, most commonly hydroquinones. It is notoriously difficult to treat.

OBJECTIVE:

To report the effectiveness of a quality-switched (QS) 755-nm alexandrite laser in treating hydroquinone-induced exogenous ochronosis.

METHODS:

Hydroquinone-induced exogenous ochronosis in two patients was treated with a QS alexandrite laser. The first patient received six treatments (average fluence=7.8 J/cm(2)) at 2-month intervals. The second patient received four treatments (average fluence=6.9 J/cm(2)) at 4-month intervals. Biopsies of lesional skin were obtained before and after laser treatment for histologic evaluation.

RESULTS:

Significant lightening of the pigmented skin areas was achieved in both patients without scarring or textural changes. Decreased dermal pigmentation was observed on histologic examination of treated skin specimens.

CONCLUSION:

The QS alexandrite laser can effectively treat exogenous ochronosis without untoward side effects.

• Authors: Supriya G Bellew, Tina S Alster
• Journal: Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.] (Dermatol Surg) Vol. 30 Issue 4 Pt 1 Pg. 555-8 (Apr 2004) ISSN: 1076-0512 [Print] United States
• PMID: 15056151 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Dermatologic Agents
• Hydroquinones
• Minerals
• alexandrite
• Beryllium
• hydroquinone

Topics

• Beryllium (therapeutic use)
• Dermatologic Agents (adverse effects)
• Face (surgery)
• Female
• Humans
• Hydroquinones (adverse effects)
• Hyperpigmentation (chemically induced, surgery)
• Laser Therapy (instrumentation, methods)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Minerals (therapeutic use)
• Ochronosis (chemically induced, surgery)
• Treatment Outcome