Laser treatment for post chickenpox scars in Fitzpatrick skin type IV and V.

Post chickenpox scars are usually more common in adults and its treatment represents a major challenge for cosmetic dermatologists. This study evaluates the efficiency of a nonablative, submillisecond, 1064-nm Nd:YAG laser used in combination with microdermabrasion (MDA) therapy over 6 months to treat post chickenpox facial scars in 12 males and 7 females with Fitzpatrick skin type IV and V. all patients are treated at a fluence of 14-16J/cm2 and a pulse duration of 0.4 milliseconds with a repetition rate of 5hz. Each patient was treated with 5-6 laser treatments for 3-4 weeks. MDA treatments were carried simultaneously with allowable intervals of time. The Mean follow-up time after the final laser session was 8.94 months. Results of the participant assessment revealed mean scores in scarring, skin texture, and Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) of 4.5, 4.5, and 4.6 respectively. Physician evaluation of improvement revealed mean scores of 4.5, 4.5 and 4.6 respectively (5=marked improvement; 3=mild improvement). Participants and physician evaluation did not reveal scores of no change or worsening for the 3 parameters. Clinically significant improvements in scarring, skin texture, and PIH were evaluated. Results of the present study suggests that a nonablative, sub millisecond, 1064-nm Nd:YAG laser used in combination with MDA treatment is an effective treatment method for atrophic chickenpox scarring in patients with Fitzpatrick skin type IV and V.