Search

Summary Haemangiomas usually develop within the first few weeks of life, most regressing spontaneously before the age of 7 years. Some may ulcerate or compromise a vital function, in which case systemic corticosteroids, surgery or radiotherapy may be helpful. Ail of these treatment modalities are associated with significant morbidity. Treatment with the 585 nm flash lamp pulsed dye laser is safe and effective in the management of superficial vascular malformations. We report seven patients, under 12 months of age, who presented with proliferative haemangiomas, causing functional impairment. Ulcerated lesions were present in four patients. The patients were treated with the 585 nm pulsed dye laser (fluences 7·0–9·25J/cm2), at intervals of 4–8 weeks. All of the lesions showed a significant reduction in size, together with improvement in the colour and integrity of the overlying skin. Treatment with the 585 nm pulsed dye laser should be considered in the management of infants with early proliferative haemangiomas, in whom intervention is indicated.

Warts are a common problem faced by podiatrists, dermatologists and GPs in the UK and they account for a large proportion of referrals to dermatology and podiatry departments. Plantar warts can be a particular source of pain and distress as they may interfere with normal activity. The use of the pulsed dye laser (PDL) for this condition has been documented in the USA. We report on two cases successfully treated in our department with favourable results, using the Candela SPTL-1 pulsed dye laser.

Penile melanosis is an uncommon benign primary pigmentary disorder affecting the penile shaft and/or glans. We report the successful treatment of penile melanosis using the Q-switched ruby laser.

Summary The ability of a carbon dioxide laser to scatter debris and aerosolize bacteria from human skin was tested by collecting the aerosols liberated with glass impingers together with a slit sampler. Two sets of tests were done—one to detect dispersal of cells from treatment of rodent ulcers or warts, and the other on pieces of skin obtained from autopsy material, which had been injected with spores. With low power levels a few bacterial particles were collected, together with some whole cells, however, at levels > 750 W cm −2 all the cultures were sterile.