Low energy laser in the treatment of ulcus cruris

Ulcus cruris is a complication following deep vein incompetence and the terms "postphlebetic leg" or "stasis syndrome" are applied. The ulceration is usually small, superficial, and very painful because of exposure of nerve endings. Varicose veins may be seen or palpated close to or continuous with the ulcer. These ulcerations may start after minor trauma to an area of pigmentation, induration, eczema, or edema, and are usually chronic by the time they are seen.

The influence of low energy laser under the skin has been examined in large number of laboratory and clinical studies, considering that the skin is a big area for absorbing a great amount of photons.

The aim of the study was to explore the role of low energy laser in the treatment of slowly healing ulcus cruris. Ten patients with slowly healing ulcus cruris have been treated with helium-neon laser type "Bistra" with wavelength 630 nm, average output 15 mW and an irradiance of 250 mW/cm2. All patients have been previously treated with other therapeutic modalities for six months but without result. Complete healing was achieved in eight patients and two patients showed significant diminution of their lesions.

lrradia laser treatment may be a valuable therapy in dermatologic diseases, especially in slowly healing wounds.

Abstracts of ICMART '97 International Medical Acupuncture Symposium