Q-SWITCHED RUBY-LASER APPLICATION IS SAFE AND EFFECTIVE FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF ACTINIC LENTIGO (TOPICAL GLYCOLIC ACID IS NOT)

A study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of a single q-switc hed ruby laser exposure to erase actinic lentigo. A peeling fluid cont aining glycolic acid designed to treat lentigines was evaluated compar atively. Ten female patients presenting with actinic lentigines on the forearms and dorsal aspects of their hands were treated with the q-sw itched ruby laser on the right side. Single ruby laser irradiation of actinic lentigines on the dorsal aspects of forearms and hands caused transient crusting due to exfoliation of the epidermal surface, which generally lasted for 2 weeks. Pour weeks after treatment total fading of the lesions was evident. Topical application of peeling fluid appli ed on the left forearms caused burning sensations, local irritation an d superficial scaling but could not clear the lentigines. A single cou rse of q-switched ruby laser exposure is safe and efficient for the ma nagement of actinic lentigines, as it completely clears these obvious signs of ageing. Topical treatment of lentigines using a commercial pe eling solution leads to moderate or severe irritation and is ineffecti ve.