To test or not to test: A study examining the return rates of rosacea patients treated with a pulsed dye laser

Pulsed dye laser (PDL) is an effective treatment option for erythematotelangiectatic rosacea. The use of a test spot allows patients to experience the procedure on a small area prior to further treatment. The purpose of this study was to elucidate whether the use of a no charge test spot influenced...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of cosmetic and laser therapy 2018-11, Vol.20 (7-8), p.385-386
Main Authors: Hirt, Molly, Mello, Ryan, Lunos, Scott, Farah, Ronda S
Format: Article
Language:English
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Summary:Pulsed dye laser (PDL) is an effective treatment option for erythematotelangiectatic rosacea. The use of a test spot allows patients to experience the procedure on a small area prior to further treatment. The purpose of this study was to elucidate whether the use of a no charge test spot influenced return rates for further PDL treatment. Data were obtained retrospectively using International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-10 codes for rosacea. Sixty charts were identified: 26 patients initially received a PDL test area free of charge, whereas 34 patients initially underwent full PDL treatment. Patients who experienced the test spot laser treatment had a lower return rate compared to those that directly underwent full PDL treatment. However, this difference was not statistically significant (Fisher's exact test p = 0.2883). Future studies evaluating and identifying factors that influence PDL return rates are needed. Abbreviations: ETR: Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea; PDL: pulsed dye laser; ICD: International classification of diseases.
ISSN:1476-4172
1476-4180
DOI:10.1080/14764172.2017.1418508