APPLICATION OF COLORIMETRY IN THE MONITORING OF KELOID TREATMENT WITH PULSED DYE LASER

Abstract

Background: Keloids are common consequences of aberrant wound healing, significantly affecting aesthetics and patient quality of life. Pulsed dye laser therapy (PDL) demonstrates efficacy in scar treatment; however, outcome evaluation remains largely subjective. The colorimeter offers a potential objective method for quantifying scar erythema, an important clinical marker in scar monitoring.

Objectives: (1) to describe clinical and epidemiological characteristics, colorimetric indices (a*, b*, L*), and Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) scores before PDL treatment; (2) to characterize the changes in these parameters approximately four weeks after treatment; (3) to examine the correlations between colorimetric indices, VSS scores, clinical–epidemiological characteristics, and patient satisfaction.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 30 patients with 56 keloids treated with PDL at the University Medical Center, Ho Chi Minh City, from September 2024 to May 2025. Data including colorimetric indices (a*, b*, L*), VSS scores, and patient satisfaction measured using a Likert scale, were collected before and at four weeks after treatment.

Results: The mean patient age was 35.27 ± 16.49 years; 57% were female. Prior to treatment, the a* index was significantly correlated with scar height and vascularity scores on the VSS (p <0.05). Post-treatment, a*, L*, and overall VSS scores showed significant improvement (p <0.05). Patient satisfaction was high, with 76.8% reporting being satisfied or very satisfied. Colorimetric readings correlated strongly with clinical improvement assessed by the VSS.

Conclusion: Colorimetry is a valuable and objective tool for evaluating treatment responses in keloids following PDL therapy. This application enhances the reliability of clinical assessment in dermatologic practice.

Keywords: keloid; pulsed dye laser; objective assessment; treatment monitoring