Abstract
PURPOSE: Superficial Infantile hemangioma (SIH) is the most common type of IH. Some studies have shown the efficacy of 755-nm long pulse alexandrite laser (LPAL) and topical 2% carteolol hydrochloride (C-HCL) eye drops for the treatment of SIH. This article retrospectively analyzes the safety and efficacy of 755-nm LPAL combined with 2% C-HCL eye drops for treating thicker SIH, and explores the optimal treatment time for SIH. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 2-5 mm thick SIH patients who received co-treatment of 755-nm LPAL and 2% C-HCL eye drops. The SIH patients were divided into 3 groups based on their age and IH growth curve: ≤ 1 month (≤ 1M), 1-3 months (excluding 1 month; 1-3M), and 3-12 months (excluding 3 months; 3-12M). RESULTS: There was no difference in efficacy between the ≤ 1M and the 1-3M group, and were both better than the 3-12M group. Furthermore, there was no difference in the average number of treatments between the ≤ 1M and 1-3M groups and were both less than the 3-12M group. There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the groups. Compared with the ≤ 1M and 1-3M groups, the 3-12M group indicated more permanent skin lesions after the treatment. CONCLUSION: It was revealed that co-treatment with 755-nm LPAL and 2% C-HCL eye drops is safe and effective against thicker SIH. Compared with the 3-12M group, ≤ 3 months can achieve better efficacy, requires a shorter treatment time, less likely to leave permanent skin lesions such as scars. Moreover, patients with no proliferation can be observed to 1 month.