Current Indications and New Applications of Intense Pulsed Light

Abstract

Intense pulsed light (IPL) systems have evolved since they were introduced into medical practice 20 years ago. Pulsed light is noncoherent, noncollimated, polychromatic light energy emitted at different wavelengths that target specific chromophores. This selective targeting capability makes IPL a versatile therapy with many applications, from the treatment of pigmented or vascular lesions to hair removal and skin rejuvenation. Its large spot size ensures a high skin coverage rate. The nonablative nature of IPL makes it an increasingly attractive alternative for patients unwilling to accept the adverse effects associated with other procedures, which additionally require prolonged absence from work and social activities. In many cases, IPL is similar to laser therapy in effectiveness, and its versatility, convenience, and safety will lead to an expanded range of applications and possibilities in coming years.

Efficiency of methylene blue‐mediated photodynamic therapy vs intense pulsed light in the treatment of onychomycosis in the toenails

“…The advantage of IPL systems is their great versatility, so with the same device it is possible to treat different conditions focusing on different chromophores (mainly haemoglobin and melanin) using different performance parameters such as wavelength, pulse duration, number of pulses, interval between pulses. In addition, the irradiated area per pulse is relatively large, which makes it possible to increase the speed of treatments . Initially, IPL systems were used for the treatment of vascular malformations such as port wine stains, angiomas, telangiectasias, etc.…”

“…In the 90s, it began to have a place of greater weight in the photodermatological treatments, with the exception of the elimination of tattoos. In the dermatological field, IPL has numerous applications: benign pigmented lesions, vascular lesions, rosacea, acne vulgaris, photoepilation, photorejuvenation, hypertrophic scars, seborrheic keratosis, atopic dermatitis, cutaneous lupus erythematosus, hidradenitis suppurativa, recalcitrant viral warts, lichen planus, psoriasis in the body and in the nails . There are hardly any studies on its application in onychomycosis, only a small in vitro test using IPL at 420 nm on fungal biofilms developed on nail fragments, showing good results …”

“…In addition, the irradiated area per pulse is relatively large, which makes it possible to increase the speed of treatments. 21 Initially, IPL systems were used for the treatment of vascular malformations such as port wine stains, angiomas, telangiectasias, etc. In the 90s, it began to have a place of greater weight in the photodermatological treatments, with the exception of the elimination of tattoos.…”

“…In the dermatological field, IPL has numerous applications: benign pigmented lesions, vascular lesions, rosacea, acne vulgaris, photoepilation, photorejuvenation, hypertrophic scars, seborrheic keratosis, atopic dermatitis, cutaneous lupus erythematosus, hidradenitis suppurativa, recalcitrant viral warts, lichen planus, psoriasis in the body and in the nails. 21 There are hardly any studies on its application in onychomycosis, only a small in vitro test using IPL at 420 nm on fungal biofilms developed on nail fragments, showing good results. 22 While light-based technologies as PDT and IPL are a promising modality for the treatment of onychomycosis and an alternative for patients who suffer from chronic illness (hepatitis, diabetes, immunosuppression), the literature on PDT and IPL for this treatment is mainly comprised of small studies and case reports.…”

Applicability of photonic sintering and autoclaving as alternative contact formation methods for silicon solar cells with passivating contacts

“…As a tool for solar cell manufacturing, photonic sintering is already used in the field of organic and perovskite PV [26]. Moreover, using tungsten halogen lamps, RTP has been investigated as a tool for improving screen printed contacts for solar cells with an aluminum back-surface field [27].…”