Localized dermatitis with heat-triggered itching is a common inflammatory condition. For patients with recurrent symptoms or limited tolerance of long-term medication, a gentle physical anti-inflammatory approach may be useful. Foremed Legend's long-pulsed 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser uses low-energy, ultra-long-pulse photobiomodulation to reduce inflammation and support barrier repair.

Patient Profile

Chief complaint: Localized dermatitis with severe heat-induced itching and daily recurrence. The patient hoped to improve the lesions without long-term topical medication.

Examination: Patchy pale-red plaques with indistinct borders, no ulceration, exudation, or acute infection, and slightly increased local temperature. Itching intensified immediately after heat exposure.

Goal: Relieve itching, reduce inflammatory redness, prevent recurrence, and avoid medication-related adverse effects.

Treatment Rationale

Chronic dermatitis combines superficial vascular dilation, persistent inflammatory mediators, and barrier damage. Heat further dilates vessels and increases mediator release. The 1064 nm wavelength reaches the dermis; a low-energy 300 ms pulse provides photobiomodulation, supports repair, and gently treats superficial dilated vessels. A 24 mm spot distributes energy evenly and minimizes local inflammatory stimulation.

Protocol

Device: Foremed Legend long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser.

Parameters: 24 mm spot, 300 ms pulse width, 2 Hz, 8 J/cm².

Technique: Fifty evenly distributed, non-overlapping scanning pulses over the lesion.

Results

Before: Pale-red patches with indistinct borders, slightly increased local temperature, and intense heat-dependent itching that recurred daily.

One month after treatment: The dermatitis had completely healed, erythema and itching had resolved, and skin texture and color matched surrounding normal skin. No pigmentation or scarring occurred.

Practical Points

1. Parameters: For anti-inflammatory dermatitis treatment, favor an ultra-long pulse, low energy, and a large spot. Do not increase energy simply to create a thermal response.

2. Technique: Scan evenly without overlap or stationary reinforcement, including a smooth transition around lesion margins.

3. Counseling: A temporary increase in apparent lesion area after treatment may reflect inflammatory metabolism and should be discussed beforehand.

4. Endpoint: Mild warmth and reduced itching. Stop and cool if redness worsens or significant stinging develops.

Clinical Summary

One low-energy, long-pulsed session produced complete healing at one month. The reproducible 24 mm, 300 ms, 8 J/cm² protocol was comfortable and required no downtime, providing a potential physical option for selected patients with chronic localized dermatitis.

Treating Physician

Physician: Dr. Wu Dan, Laben Medical Aesthetic Clinic, Taizhou.

Background: Master's degree in dermatology from Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, with experience in minimally invasive aesthetics, facial rejuvenation, injection design, and complication management.

Foremed Legend

Foremed Legend develops advanced energy-based aesthetic medical devices, including picosecond lasers, long-pulsed lasers, IPL, photoacoustic skin imaging, and cold-air therapy systems.