The effect of low level laser therapy on pemphigus vulgaris lesions: A pilot study

Abstract

Introduction: Pemphigus vulgaris is a chronic blistering skin disease. Management of recalcitrant pemphigus ulcers is a great problem. Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) is known to supply direct biostimulative light energy to body cells. This study evaluates the efficacy of low power laser in the healing of pemphigus lesions. Methods: Ten patients with pemphigus vulgaris were enrolled in the trial. The LED-LLLT system used was the Thor LED clusters (109, 69 or 19 diode) (England) with 660 nm wavelength in continuous wave (CW) and 30 mW energy. Both sides of the patients' lesion were photographed prior to the study and in each laser therapy session. Results: The pattern of changes in qualitative wound score (QWS) patterns differed significantly over time between the two therapies (treatment × time interactions, P < 0.0001). When compared to the routine therapy, the laser therapy showed more decrease in mean QWS in all sessions in comparison with baseline. Conclusion: Application of low level laser simultaneously with conventional therapy could result in sensational healing of ulcers especially in patients who do not respond to conventional treatment or suffering from recalcitrant lesions.