Narrative review examines pulsed dye laser uses for pediatric conditions, suggesting valuable therapeutic insights.
Background Pulsed dye laser (PDL) has long represented a cornerstone in the management of vascular lesions in childhood. Recent evidence highlights its potential in a broader spectrum of pediatric conditions in which superficial microvascular involvement or persistent erythema plays a contributory role. Despite increasing clinical interest, the unconventional use of PDL in this population remains fragmented and lacks unified interpretation. Objectives This narrative review aims to synthesize current knowledge on the off‐label pediatric applications of PDL, examine common mechanistic features across heterogeneous indications, and outline practical considerations for clinical use. Methods We performed a comprehensive evaluation of published pediatric studies and reviews. Focus was placed on clinical outcomes, treatment endpoints, safety profiles, and shared vascular–inflammatory pathways across different conditions. Results Across viral warts, pyogenic granuloma, acne‐associated erythema, postinflammatory redness, burn and surgical scar erythema, and selected benign airway lesions, PDL demonstrated a consistent capacity to target superficial vasculature with minimal collateral damage. Improvements in erythema, vascular prominence, and symptomatic burden were recurrent, supported by a favorable safety profile. However, heterogeneity in protocols and small sample sizes limit the comparability of findings. Conclusions Current evidence supports PDL as a valuable adjunct or alternative for pediatric conditions with persistent superficial vascular activity. Further studies with standardized parameters and robust endpoints are needed to define its optimal role in pediatric treatment pathways.
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Pignataro et al. (2026) studied this question.
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