THE Q-SWITCHED RUBY-LASER IN DERMATOLOGIC AL THERAPY - USES AND INDICATIONS

The Q-switched ruby laser (QSRL) with its wavelength of 694 nm and a p ulse duration of around 40 nsec is an effective modality for the remov al of tattoos and cutaneous pigmented lesions. Based on the principle of selective photothermolysis, selective damage to cutaneous pigment o r pigmented cells is possible,allowing the scar-free elimination of en dogenous or exogenous pigment in the skin. Main indications for the tr eatment with the QSRL are tattoos (amateur, professional, accidental, or cosmetic) and lentigines but the QSRL can also be used for lighteni ng or even removing other pigmented lesions such as nevus spilus or ca fe au lait macules. Furthermore, pigmented lesions of mucous membranes can be removed easily. Since treatment results in postinflammatory hy perpigmentation, melasma,and Becker' nevus have proven to be inconsist ent, the QSRL can not be routinely recommended for these lesions. Mela nocytic lesions are generally not treated, with the exception of nevus of Ota and nevus of [to where there exacts a lack of therapeutic alte rnatives. Non-pigmented cells,which exist in nearly all melanocytic le sions, do not absorb the light of the QSRL and, therefore, do not reac t to this particular treatment. No information is available on the ris k of partially damaged cells to become malignant after QSRL treatment. The QSRL is an excellent therapy for the removal of endogenous and ex ogenous pigment because of both the excellent treatment results and th e lack of side effects,which are limited to transient hypo- and hyperp igmentation. The QSRL has occurred a wide range of applications within the field of dermatology.