Background and Objective: Cutaneous brown discolorations in the area of inj
ection can be a cosmetically bothersome side effect from a parenteral iron
treatment, and have not responsed to an effective therapy until now.
Study Design/Patients and Methods: We report retrospectively on:five patien
ts who were treated with the Q-switched ruby and/or Nd:YAG laser for circum
scripted siderosis after intramuscular or intravenous iron injection.
Results: The number of required laser treatments was between 3 and 16. The
clinical improvement after the first 2-4 sessions was the most impressive,
especially after the application of the Nd:YAG laser. Hypopigmentation and
scars did not develop. In one case hyperpigmentation appeared.
Conclusion: This study shows that there is an effective method of clearing
persistent brown discolorations with few side effects after parenteral iron
therapy, using Q-switched laser technology. (C) 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.