Intense Pulsed Light Treatment of Persistent Facial Hypermelanosis Following Drug-Induced Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis

Abstract

BACKGROUND. Cutaneous hyperpigmentation is one of the most cosmetically disturbing sequel of drug-induced toxic epidermal necrolysis. Intense pulsed light is a promising tool for treating some melanocytic lesions. OBJECTIVE. The objective was to assess the effect of intense pulsed light in treating post-toxic epidermal necrolysis facial hypermelanosis. METHODS. Two Caucasian men aged 35 and 50 years presented with long-standing (32 and 39 years) severe hypermelanosis of the face after sulfonamide-induced toxic epidermal necrolysis. They were treated by intense pulsed light. Cutoff filters of 550, 590, and 615 nm were employed for five intense pulsed light sessions at 4-week intervals. The treatment was characterized by energy fluence of 25 to 32 J/cm 2 , pulse width of 2.2 to 3.2 ms, and double-to triple-pulse mode respecting a 30-ms delay.

Application of Intense Pulsed Light in the Treatment of Dermatologic Disease: A Systematic Review

“…A variety of other pigmentary disorders have been treated with IPL, including nevus spilus, café‐au‐lait macule, Becker's nevus, epidermal nevus, PIH, stasis dermatitis pigmentation, and Riehl's melanosis (Table S2D) . The majority of this evidence consists of small case series and case reports, and therefore definitive treatment recommendations cannot be given.…”

“…The majority of this evidence consists of small case series and case reports, and therefore definitive treatment recommendations cannot be given. Nevus spilus, café‐au‐lait macule, PIH, and Riehl's melanosis appear to respond reasonably well to IPL treatment . Becker's nevus may also respond well, although there are conflicting reports .…”