Er:YAG Laser Versus Blue Peel in the Treatment of Photoaging Hands

Abstract

Objective: This study aims at comparing the effects of Er:YAG laser and Blue Peel on the treatment of photoaged hands. Background Data: The face and hands are constantly being exposed to sunlight, which causes early skin aging and damage. Currently, there are many studies showing how to deal with photoaging of the face; however, very few have investigated treatment of photoaging of the hands, whose skin properties differ from the face. Materials and Methods: We studied the effects (edema, erythema, temperature, reepithelialization) of laser and Blue Peel on the hands of 22 patients. The follow-up was 3 months. Results: Edema, erythema, and temperature were more intense in the Er:YAG group during the early postoperative days, but those clinical parameters became similar to the ones observed in the Blue Peel group over time. Forty-five percent of the patients considered the results of Er:YAG treatment excellent, while 16.67% rated the treatment with Blue Peel as excellent. Conclusion: Both methods showed very good clinical results, but Er:YAG laser treatment satisfied the patients the most.