From the Nov 1, 2008 edition of DermatologyTimes;

Synergistic effect: Combining LED devices with PDL or IPL optimizes rosacea treatment

Combination laser and light-based treatments for rosacea have a synergistic effect and are now being studied, according to David J. Goldberg, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in practice since 1985 at Skin Laser & Surgery Specialists of New York and New Jersey.

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“Recently, we have started to look at trying to do something new that decreases the inflammation of rosacea in a totally different way. We have begun to combine the light-emitting diode (LED) devices — which have a totally different mechanism — with either PDL or IPL to optimize outcomes for treatment of rosacea,” says Dr. Goldberg, also clinical professor of dermatology and director of laser research, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York.

“We have completed a six-month, 20-subject study looking at one side of the face treated with IPL and the other side treated with both IPL and 20 minutes of continuous-wave, 633 nm, red LED energy. The results were clearly better on the combined treatment side.

For more information see also our RSRP interview with Dr. Goldberg: Combining Light-Based Treatments and Topicals for Rosacea: Dr. David J. Goldberg, MD.

The effect of IPL and LED appears to be additive. That is, the combination works better than each one separately. Papules & pustules are generally best treated with oral and/or topical agents. Inflammation or swelling is best treated with a combination of IPL and yellow/red LED. This group also is treated with near-infrared LED.

See also: Red LED Lamps & Other Forms of Low-Level Light Therapy and other LED Therapy articles.

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