ADVANCES IN LASER SCAR REHABILITATION
Fractional epidermal grafting in combination with laser therapy as a novel approach in treating radiation dermatitis
Mar
2015
Vol. 34. No. 1
Radiation injury to the skin is a major source of dysfunction,
disfigurement, and complications for thousands of
patients undergoing adjunctive treatment for internal
cancers. Despite the great potential for affecting quality of
life, radiation injury has received little attention from dermatologists
and is primarily being managed by radiation
oncologists. During our volunteer work in Vietnam, we encountered
numerous children with significant scarring and
depigmentation of skin from the outdated use of radioactive
phosphorus P32 in the treatment of hemangiomas. This
dangerous practice has left thousands of children with
significant fibrosis and disfigurement. Currently, there is no
treatment for radiation dermatitis. Here, we report a case
series using the combination of laser treatment, including
pulsed-dye laser, fractional CO2 laser, and epidermal
grafting to improve the appearance and function of the
radiation scars in these young patients. We hope that by
improving the appearance and function of these scars,
we can improve the quality of life for these young patients
and potentially open up a new avenue of treatment for
cancer patients affected with chronic radiation dermatitis,
potentially improving their range of motion, cosmesis, and
reducing their risk of secondary skin malignancies.
Semin Cutan Med Surg 34:42-47 © 2015 Frontline Medical
Communications
PURCHASE NOW