Impact of intense pulsed light therapy on the quality of life of rosacea patients

Abstract

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder affecting predominantly adult patients. The aim of the current investigation was to evaluate clinical response by using quality of life assessment before and after an IPL (intensive pulsed light) therapy course for patients sufferring from rosacea treated in the outpatient clinic "Health and Aesthetics" in Riga during a one-year period (in 2016). All patients presented with typical clinical symptoms of rosacea on the face - acneiform papules, pustules, telangiectasia, centrofacial erythema, and complaints about flushing and burning. In the current study, 100 rosacea patients treated with IPL therapy were selected. Each patient filled in the quality of life questionnaire before and after two courses of IPL therapy. The interval between IPL therapy sessions was one month. The results reflected comprehensive benefit from IPL therapy for all rosacea patients. No serious side effects from IPL therapy were detected. Side effects like mild eythema after procedure (75%), mild oedema (10%), vesiculation (3%), and hyperpigmentation (8%) were completely resolved within four weeks after completion of treatment. In all patients, quality of life assessment showed a statistically significant increase after two courses of IPL therapy.