The effects of 755 nm alexandrite laser on skin dryness and pruritus

INTRODUCTION: The alexandrite laser (AL) is a very safe and effective treatment used for unwanted hair removal with a reported success rate of 40% to 80% at 6 months and after several treatment sessions. Although a diffuse variety of side effects has been observed during laser treatment, changes in skin dryness and pruritus before and after AL epilation have not been reported yet to the best of our knowledge. AIM: To investigate the effects of 755 nm alexandrite laser on skin dryness and pruritus at the beginning and in the third and the sixth month after the treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty three patients with Fitzpatrick skin types of II–IV aged 18–45 with leg hair were included in this prospective study. Patients were treated with 755 nm alexandrite laser with 10–12 mm spot size. According to the skin phototype, the settings of the laser were as follows: 12–22 J/cm² and pulse width of 3 ms. For self-assessment by the patient, the visual analogue scale (VAS) was used before, at the third and sixth month of the treatment as to skin dryness and pruritus. The patients were evaluated by the same dermatologist with the same VAS. The values were compared between before-at the third month, before-at the sixth month and at the third and at the sixth month of the treatment. RESULTS: Pruritus scores were statistically lower at the third month when compared with the baseline scores (p < 0.01). However, there was no difference between the third and sixth month of the treatment as to pruritus scores (p > 0.05). There was a statistically significant difference between the scores before the treatment and the scores at the third month and at the sixth month as to skin dryness (p < 0.001). However, the difference was not prominent between the third and sixth month scores of skin dryness (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study researching the effects of AL on pruritus and skin dryness. Further studies with larger samples and longer follow-up periods will be able to better clarify the association.