Effects of intense pulsed light in microstomia in patients with systemic sclerosis: A pilot study

Introduction: The effects of intense pulsed light (IPL) on collagen structures are well known in the treatment of photodamaged skin. Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of IPL on sclerotic skin by treating patients with microstomia due to systemic sclerosis. Methods and materials: 13 patients all with microstomia and systemic sclerosis were treated with IPL, PR (530-750 nm filter) and/or VL (555-950 nm filter) applicator. They were treated in the perioral area 8 times with 3–4 weeks of interval and follow-up for 6 months. The outcomes were the inter-incisal distance and the inter-ridge distance. Results: A significant increase in mouth opening of 4.1 mm (95% confidence interval, 1726–6638, p < 0.005) was found in the inter-ridge distance when comparing the distance before treatment with the distance at six-month follow-up. No significant difference was found in the inter-incisal distance. The patients experienced improved mobility and better control of lip movements after the treatments. Conclusion: IPL can improve the inter-ridge distance between the lips in patients with microstomia due to systemic sclerosis but does not affect the inter-incisal distance, which is also dependent on the mobility of the mandibular joints. This treatment can be considered an adjunctive therapy in patients with microstomia due to systemic sclerosis.