Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Dermatology and Venerology

Background: Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is an acquired hyperpigmentation that involves areas of prior cutaneous inflammation. By fractional CO₂ laser the formation of MENDs (Microscopic Epidermal Necrotic Debris) could improve hyperpigmentation through the transepidermal elimination of the dermal contents including melanin. Objective: The aim of this work is to evaluate the efficacy of fractional CO₂ laser in the treatment of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. Patients and Methods: Thirty patients of both sexes with postinflammatory hyperpigmentation of skin types 3, 4, 5 were enrolled in this study. Each patient was subjected to 3 sessions of fractional CO₂ laser with 1 month interval and follow up after 1 month and evaluation of the level of pigmentation by wood{u2019}s lamp before starting the first session and after the last session. Clinical evaluation was done by photography, as well as patient{u2019}s satisfaction score, two blinded physician score and a color panel score. Results: In the present study we observed excellent improvement in 8 patients (26.7 %), marked improvement in 12 patients (40%), moderate improvement in 6 patients (20%) and mild improvement in 4 patients (13.3%), with no incidence of side effects. There was no significant relation between the degree of improvement and age, sex, skin type, etiology, or the site of the lesion Fractional CO₂ laser is a safe and effective method in treating postinflammatory hyperpigmentation

Issued also as CD