Circumscripted pigmentations after iron injections-treatment with Q-switched laser systems.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Cutaneous brown discolorations in the area of injection can be a cosmetically bothersome side effect from a parenteral iron treatment, and have not responded to an effective therapy until now. STUDY DESIGN/PATIENTS AND METHODS We report retrospectively on five patients who were treated with the Q-switched ruby and/or Nd:YAG laser for circumscripted siderosis after intramuscular or intravenous iron injection. RESULTS The number of required laser treatments was between 3 and 16. The clinical improvement after the first 2-4 sessions was the most impressive, especially after the application of the Nd:YAG laser. Hypopigmentation and scars did not develop. In one case hyperpigmentation appeared. CONCLUSIONS This study shows that there is an effective method of clearing persistent brown discolorations with few side effects after parenteral iron therapy, using Q-switched laser technology.