Melasma treatment device

Abstract

To enhance the therapeutic effect on melasma while reducing invasiveness to the skin.SOLUTION: The present invention relates to a melasma treatment device 1 used for treating melasma C occurring in epidermis 101 of skin 100. The melasma treatment device 1 includes: an irradiation mechanism 10 configured to irradiate, in a non-focused manner, beam light L having a peak wavelength in the range of 860 nm to 950 nm from a surface 100a of the skin 100 toward a treatment target in order to treat the melasma C; and a controller 20 configured to control the beam light L irradiated from the irradiation mechanism 10 to treat the melasma C.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a melasma treatment device used to treat melasma occurring on the epidermis of the skin. [Background technology]

[0002] Melasma is a type of pigmentation disorder that occurs on the skin. It mainly occurs along the cheekbones and below the corners of the eyes, and tends to occur symmetrically on the face. Melasma is said to be more likely to occur in women in their 30s and 40s.

[0003] It has been traditionally believed that melasma is caused by the effects of excessive melanin production. Therefore, melasma treatment devices configured to remove melanin are used to treat melasma. For example, one example of such a melasma treatment device is a melasma treatment device configured to converge or focus an EMR (electromagnetic radiation) beam at a focal region under the patient's skin, thereby removing melanin at the focal region (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2023-508663 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, as in the example of the melasma treatment device described above, only removing melanin still cannot be expected to provide a sufficient therapeutic effect on melasma, and therefore, there is a demand for further improving the therapeutic effect on melasma.

[0006] Furthermore, as in the example of the melasma treatment device described above, when an EMR beam, particularly a beam light such as a laser, is converged or focused at a focal region under the skin, high-intensity energy is applied to the focal region. In this case, there is concern that it may affect tissues other than the melanin that is the treatment target. Therefore, there remains a challenge in reducing the invasiveness to the skin.

[0007] In view of the above circumstances, it is desirable to provide a melasma treatment device that can improve the therapeutic effect of melasma and reduce invasiveness to the skin. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problems, one embodiment of a melasma treatment device is a melasma treatment device used to treat melasma occurring on the epidermis of the skin, and includes an irradiation mechanism configured to be able to irradiate a single-wavelength beam light having a peak wavelength within a range of approximately 860 nm to approximately 950 nm from the surface of the skin toward a treatment target in a non-focused manner in order to treat the melasma, and a controller configured to be able to control the light irradiated from the irradiation mechanism in order to treat the melasma.

[0009] In one aspect of the melasma treatment device, the controller is configured to control the beam light irradiated from the irradiation mechanism so as to prevent damage to tissues surrounding the blood vessels to be treated, while removing the blood vessels to be treated that are located within the epidermis around the melasma and on the inner side of the skin relative to the melasma, in order to treat the melasma. In one aspect of the melasma treatment device, the blood vessels to be treated are at least one of capillary loops and subpapillary blood vessels located in the dermis of the skin near the epidermis.

[0010] In one embodiment of the melasma treatment device, the controller sets the pulse width of the light beam within a range of about 1 msec to about 1000 msec, and the fluence of the light beam to about 5 J / cm 2 ~About 200J / cm 2 The irradiation mechanism can be controlled so as to be within the range of

[0011] A melasma treatment device according to one embodiment includes a cooler configured to be able to cool the skin, the cooler having a cooling unit configured to cool the skin while in contact with the surface of the skin, the cooling unit being arranged around the beam light emitted from the irradiation mechanism, and the controller being configured to be able to control the cooler to switch between a cooling-on state in which the cooler is operated to cool the skin and a cooling-off state in which the operation of the cooler is stopped. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to one aspect of the melasma treatment device, the therapeutic effect of melasma can be improved and the invasiveness to the skin can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing tissue under the skin that is a treatment target of a melasma treatment device according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing a melasma treatment device according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view schematically showing a melasma treatment device according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view schematically showing a handpiece of a melasma treatment apparatus according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a graph showing the absorption spectrum of the beam light for hemoglobin and melanin. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a graph showing the relationship between the wavelength of the light beam and the penetration depth. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] A melasma treatment device according to one embodiment will be described below. The melasma treatment device is a device used to treat melasma that occurs on the epidermis of the skin. In this embodiment, a melasma treatment method will also be described.

[0015] "Skin structure" First, the structure of human skin 100 will be described with reference to Figure 1. Skin 100 consists of three layers: epidermis 101, dermis 102, and subcutaneous tissue 103. The epidermis 101, dermis 102, and subcutaneous tissue 103 are arranged in this order from the surface 100a of skin 100 toward its interior. The epidermis 101 has a stratum corneum 101a facing the surface 100a of skin 100. Melasma C occurs in the epidermis 101 of such skin 100.

[0016] The thickness t1 of the epidermis 101 is typically about 0.1 mm to about 0.3 mm (average about 0.2 mm). The thickness t2 of the dermis 102 is typically about 1.5 mm to about 12 mm (particularly in the case of the face, about 1.5 mm to about 4 mm). The thickness t3 of the subcutaneous tissue 103 is typically about 2 mm or more.

[0017] Additionally, the skin 100 includes a plurality of blood vessels 110. The plurality of blood vessels 110 is located in the dermis 102. The plurality of blood vessels 110 includes capillary loops 111, subpapillary blood vessels 112, subcutaneous blood vessels 113, arteries 114, and veins 115.

[0018] The capillary loop 111 is located around the epidermis 101. Specifically, the capillary loop 111 is located closest to the epidermis 101 among the blood vessels 110. The subpapillary blood vessel 112 is located adjacent to the capillary loop 111 on the inner side of the skin 100, particularly on the subcutaneous tissue 103 side. The capillary loop 111 extends from the subpapillary blood vessel 112.

[0019] The subcutaneous blood vessels 113 are located closer to the inside of the skin 100 than the subpapillary blood vessels 112, particularly closer to the subcutaneous tissue 103. The subcutaneous blood vessels 113 are located closer to the subcutaneous tissue 103 in the thickness direction of the skin 100. The artery 114 and the vein 115 are located closer to the inside of the skin 100 than the subcutaneous blood vessels 113, particularly closer to the subcutaneous tissue 103. The artery 114 and the vein 115 are located closest to the subcutaneous tissue 103 among the multiple blood vessels 110.

[0020] Of these multiple blood vessels 110, the capillary loops 111 are typically located within a depth range of about 0.1 mm to about 0.35 mm from the surface 100a of the skin 100. The subpapillary blood vessels 112 are typically located within a depth range of about 0.15 mm to about 0.4 mm from the surface 100a of the skin 100. The subcutaneous blood vessels 113 are typically located within a depth range of about 0.7 mm or more from the surface 100a of the skin 100. The arteries 114 and veins 115 are typically located within a depth range of about 0.8 mm or more from the surface 100a of the skin 100.

[0021] "Mechanism of melasma development" The mechanism of occurrence of melasma C will be further described with reference to Fig. 1. The present inventor has come to the following findings regarding the mechanism of occurrence of melasma C, taking into consideration the influence of blood vessels 110.

[0022] The present inventor has confirmed that melasma C occurs around the locations of many blood vessels 110, particularly around the locations of many capillary loops 111 and many subpapillary blood vessels 112. As described above, the capillary loops 111 and subpapillary blood vessels 112 are located in the dermis 102 of the skin 100, closer to the epidermis 101.

[0023] Through these many blood vessels 110, particularly the many capillary loops 111 and subpapillary vessels 112, MSH (melanocyte-stimulating hormone) activates keratinocytes (epidermal cells) in the skin 100. Furthermore, when keratinocytes (epidermal cells) are stimulated, they produce activating factors for melanocytes (pigment cells), such as plasmin and prostaglandins.

[0024] Next, in melanocytes affected by such activating factors, tyrosine (an amino acid) in the cells stimulates the production of melanin. At this time, when tyrosinase (an enzyme) acts on tyrosine, the production of melanin is stimulated. If excessive melanin is produced as a result, melasma C will occur in the epidermis 101 of the skin 100.

[0025] "Outline of melasma treatment device" The melasma treatment device 1 according to this embodiment will be outlined with reference to Figures 1 and 2. That is, the melasma treatment device 1 according to this embodiment is generally configured as follows: The melasma treatment device 1 according to this embodiment is used to treat melasma C located on the epidermis 101 of the skin 100.

[0026] The melasma treatment device 1 has an irradiation mechanism 10 configured to be able to irradiate a single-wavelength beam light L (indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 1) having a peak wavelength within a range of approximately 860 nm to approximately 950 nm in a non-focused manner from the surface 100a of the skin 100 toward the treatment target in order to treat melasma C. The melasma treatment device 1 also has a controller 20 configured to be able to control the beam light L irradiated from the irradiation mechanism 10 in order to treat melasma C.

[0027] Furthermore, the melasma treatment device 1 according to this embodiment can be generally configured as follows: To treat melasma C, the controller 20 can be configured to control the light beam L irradiated from the irradiation mechanism 10 so as to prevent damage to the tissue surrounding the blood vessel 110 to be treated, while removing the blood vessel 110 to be treated that is located within the epidermis 101 around the melasma C and on the inner side of the skin 100 relative to the melasma C. The blood vessel 110 to be treated is at least one of a capillary loop 111 and a subpapillary blood vessel 112 that are located within the dermis 102 of the skin 100 near the epidermis 101.

[0028] Furthermore, the controller 20 sets the pulse width w of the light beam L within a range of about 1 msec to about 1000 msec, and the fluence f of the light beam L to about 5 J / cm 2 ~About 200J / cm 2 The irradiation mechanism 10 can be controlled so that the light intensity falls within the range.

[0029] The melasma treatment device 1 can have a cooler 30 configured to be able to cool the skin 100. The cooler 30 has a cooling unit 31 configured to be able to cool the skin 100 while in contact with the surface 100a of the skin 100. The cooling unit 31 is arranged around the beam light L irradiated from the irradiation mechanism 10.

[0030] The controller 20 is configured to be able to control the cooler 30 to switch between a cooling-on state in which the cooler 30 is operated to cool the skin 100 and a cooling-off state in which the operation of the cooler 30 is stopped. However, the melasma treatment device may also be configured not to have a cooler.

[0031] "Details of the melasma treatment device" 1 to 4, the melasma treatment device 1 according to this embodiment can be configured in detail as follows: As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the melasma treatment device 1 has a handpiece 2 configured to be able to be held by a user.

[0032] The handpiece 2 has a housing 2a that defines the contour of its outer periphery. As shown in Fig. 3, an irradiation port 2b is formed on the outer periphery of the housing 2a so that the light beam L can pass through.

[0033] The housing 2a has a tip portion 2c arranged so as to face the surface 100a of the skin 100, and a base portion 2d opposite the tip portion 2c. The housing 2a has a body portion 2e extending between the tip portion 2c and the base portion 2d. The housing 2a has a grip portion 2f configured to be grippable by a user. The grip portion 2f is formed to protrude from the body portion 2e.

[0034] 2 and 4, the irradiation mechanism 10 is arranged inside the housing 2a so as to be able to emit the light beam L from the irradiation port 2b of the housing 2a. The cooling section 31 of the cooler 30 is arranged around the irradiation port 2b on the outer periphery of the housing 2a. The irradiation port 2b of the housing 2a and the cooling section 31 of the cooler 30 can be located at the tip portion 2c of the housing 2a.

[0035] 2, the irradiation mechanism 10 has an optical oscillator 11 configured to oscillate a light beam L. The optical oscillator 11 can be a semiconductor laser. In this case, an example of the irradiation mechanism 10 capable of emitting a non-focused light beam L is as follows.

[0036] For example, the irradiation mechanism 10 can be configured to irradiate the light beam L in a collimated state using a lens (not shown) or the like. The collimated light beam L can be irradiated in a substantially parallel state. Therefore, the irradiation mechanism 10 can irradiate the light beam L in a non-focused manner. It is preferable that the non-focused light beam L does not focus within the range of its penetration depth.

[0037] However, the illumination mechanism is not limited to a configuration that emits a collimated beam of light. That is, the illumination mechanism may be configured to emit a non-focused beam of light. For example, the illumination mechanism may be configured to emit a beam of light with a low degree of diffusion. Furthermore, the illumination mechanism may be configured such that the optical oscillator is a light-emitting diode (LED).

[0038] The cooling liquid used in the cooler 30 may be water, a coolant liquid, or the like. The cooler 30 has a passage 32 configured to allow the cooling liquid to pass through the inside of the cooling portion 31 to cool the cooling portion 31. The cooler 30 has a supply portion 33 configured to allow the cooling liquid to be supplied to the passage 32. The cooler 30 is of a water-cooled type.

[0039] The controller 20 can be configured to control the supply unit 33 to switch between a cooling-on state in which coolant is supplied to the passage 32 and a cooling-off state in which coolant is stopped from being supplied to the passage 32. The controller 20 can also be configured to control the supply unit 33 to adjust the amount of coolant supplied to the passage 32.

[0040] However, the cooler may be configured to cool by means other than a liquid coolant. For example, the cooler may be configured to cool the skin by cooled air. The cooler may also be configured to cool the skin using a Peltier element instead of a water-cooled configuration. The cooler may also be configured to cool the skin using a Peltier element in addition to the water-cooled configuration described above.

[0041] The melasma treatment device 1 has a switch mechanism 40 that is used by the user to switch between an irradiation-on state in which the light beam L is irradiated and an irradiation-off state in which irradiation of the light beam L is stopped. Although not shown in the figures, the switch mechanism has an operating unit that is configured to be movable between an irradiation-on position for switching the irradiation on and an irradiation-off position for switching the irradiation off. Such a switch mechanism 40 is disposed within the handpiece 2.

[0042] 3 and 4, the handpiece 2 has a trigger 2g configured to operate the operating portion of the switch mechanism 40. By operating the trigger 2g of the handpiece 2, the user can move the operating portion of the switch mechanism 40 between the irradiation-on position and the irradiation-off position. The trigger 2g is disposed on the grip 2f. In particular, the trigger 2g is preferably disposed so as to protrude from the grip 2f toward the tip portion 2c.

[0043] The controller 20 controls the irradiation mechanism 10 to be in the irradiation-on state when the operation part of the switch mechanism 40 is operated to be in the irradiation-on position. The controller 20 controls the irradiation mechanism 10 to be in the irradiation-off state when the operation part of the switch mechanism 40 is operated to be in the irradiation-off position.

[0044] However, in the melasma treatment device, the irradiation-on state and the irradiation-off state may be switched by operating an input / output device or an input device, or a switch mechanism may directly control the irradiation mechanism to switch between the irradiation-on state and the irradiation-off state.

[0045] 2 and 3, the melasma treatment device 1 has an input / output device 50 configured to be able to input predetermined information, instructions, etc., and to be able to output predetermined information. The user can use the input / output device 50 to adjust the pulse width w of the light beam L, the fluence f, the operation of the cooler 30, etc., and can also visually confirm the adjustment results, the state of the melasma treatment device 1, the treatment status, etc., displayed on the input / output device 50.

[0046] 3, the input / output device is a liquid crystal touch panel display. However, the input / output device can be something other than a touch panel display. For example, the input / output device can be an organic EL touch panel display.

[0047] Furthermore, instead of an input / output device, the melasma treatment device may have an input device used to operate the melasma treatment device and an output device capable of outputting predetermined information separately. Examples of input devices include a keyboard, a mouse, a button, a switch, etc. Examples of output devices include a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, etc.

[0048] As shown in Figure 3, such a melasma treatment device 1 has a device main body 3 connected to a handpiece 2. The device main body 3 is separate from the handpiece 2. The melasma treatment device 1 has a cable 4 that connects the handpiece 2 and the device main body 3. A passage 32 for a cooler 30, wires for various electrical connections, etc. pass through the inside of the cable 4.

[0049] 2 and 3, the device body 3 is provided with the controller 20 and the input / output device 50. Furthermore, the device body 3 may be provided with the supply portion 33 of the cooler 30. In this case, the passage 32 is configured to extend between the handpiece 2 and the device body 3 so as to allow the coolant to be supplied between the cooling portion 31 and the supply portion 33.

[0050] However, the controller may be installed in the handpiece. The input / output device may be installed on the handpiece. The delivery unit may be installed in the handpiece. Furthermore, the melasma treatment device may also be configured such that the handpiece and the device main body are integrated. In this case, the melasma treatment device may be basically configured in the form of a handpiece.

[0051] For example, a melasma treatment device configured in the form of a handpiece is suitable for home use by general consumers. In particular, in a melasma treatment device for home use, it is preferable that the oscillator be an LED from the viewpoint of user safety.

[0052] In such a melasma treatment device 1, the controller 20 is configured to restrict at least one of the pulse width w and the fluence f from being set in a manner that damages the surrounding tissue of the blood vessel 110 to be treated, in particular, the surrounding tissue of at least one of the capillary loops 111 and the subpapillary blood vessels 112.

[0053] Such a controller 20 can be configured to limit the pulse width w to less than about 1 msec in order to enhance the therapeutic effect on melasma. In this case, the pulse width w cannot be made smaller than about 1 msec.

[0054] Additionally, the controller 20 can be configured to limit the pulse width w to be greater than about 200 msec in order to reduce invasiveness to the skin 100. In this case, the pulse width w cannot be greater than about 200 msec.

[0055] The controller 20 controls the fluence f to be about 5 J / cm in order to enhance the therapeutic effect of melasma. 2 That is, in the melasma treatment device 1, the fluence f is limited to about 5 J / cm 2 It will not be possible to make it smaller than

[0056] Furthermore, the controller 20 sets the fluence f to approximately 200 J / cm 2 in order to reduce invasiveness to the skin 100. 2 That is, in the melasma treatment device 1, the fluence f is limited to about 200 J / cm 2 It cannot be made larger than

[0057] The controller 20 is configured to be able to set the melasma treatment device 1 to a normal mode in which the cooling-on state and the cooling-off state described above can be freely switched, and the irradiation-on state and the irradiation-off state can be freely switched. Furthermore, the controller 20 can be configured to be able to set the melasma treatment device 1 to a forced cooling mode in which the irradiation-off state can be switched to the irradiation-on state in the cooling-on state. In the forced cooling mode, switching from the irradiation-off state to the irradiation-on state is restricted or prohibited in the cooling-off state.

[0058] The controller 20 can be configured to switch the melasma treatment device 1 between the normal mode and the forced cooling mode. However, the controller can also be configured to set the melasma treatment device to the normal mode only. The controller can also be configured to set the melasma treatment device to the forced cooling mode only.

[0059] 2, the controller 20 is electrically connected to the irradiation mechanism 10, the cooler 30, the switch mechanism 40, and the input / output device 50. These connections are made by wires using electric wires or the like. However, these connections can also be made by wireless connections using infrared rays, radio waves, or the like.

[0060] In such a melasma treatment device 1, when the user operates the input / output device 50 to set the pulse width w, fluence f, etc. of the light beam L as desired, information regarding this setting is transmitted to the controller 20. The controller 20 then sends a command based on the above setting to the irradiation mechanism 10. As a result, the light beam L irradiated from the irradiation mechanism 10 is adjusted to have the desired pulse width w, fluence f, etc.

[0061] In the melasma treatment device 1 configured in this manner, when the user operates the trigger 2g to change the operating part of the switch mechanism 40 from the irradiation-off position to the irradiation-on position, the irradiation mechanism 10 is switched from the irradiation-off state to the irradiation-on state, and as a result, a light beam L is emitted from the irradiation mechanism 10. By irradiating the surface 100a of the skin 100 on which the melasma C has developed with this light beam L, the melasma C can be treated.

[0062] Furthermore, in the melasma treatment device 1, when the user operates the input / output device 50 to activate the cooler 30, information regarding this activation is transmitted to the controller 20. The controller 20 then sends a command based on the above settings to the cooler 30. As a result, the cooler 30 operates to cool the skin 100. In this case, the melasma treatment device 1 can treat the melasma C by irradiating the skin 100 with the beam light L from the irradiation mechanism 10 while cooling the skin 100 with the cooler 30.

[0063] "Beam light peak wavelength range" 5 and 6, the range of the peak wavelength of the light beam L in this embodiment will be described. First, FIG. 5 will be described. In FIG. 5, the horizontal axis λ represents the wavelength (nm) of the light beam, and the vertical axis A represents the absorption peak (L mol -1 cm -1 ) In FIG. 5, the solid line H indicates the absorption spectrum of hemoglobin, and the dashed line M indicates the absorption spectrum of melanin.

[0064] Next, we will explain Figure 6. In Figure 6, the vertical axis D represents the penetration depth (mm). In Figure 6, the various peak wavelengths (nm) are listed on the horizontal axis, with λ1 representing a peak wavelength of approximately 532 nm, λ2 representing a peak wavelength of approximately 585 nm, λ3 representing a peak wavelength of approximately 860 nm, λ4 representing a peak wavelength of approximately 940 nm, and λ5 representing a peak wavelength of approximately 1064 nm.

[0065] 5, a beam of light with a peak wavelength of approximately 532 nm indicated by λ1 and a beam of light with a peak wavelength of approximately 585 nm indicated by λ2 are effective for red hemoglobin, and therefore, beams of light with such wavelengths have traditionally been used as effective for blood vessels.

[0066] 5, it can be seen that beams of light having peak wavelengths in the range from approximately 860 nm indicated by λ3 to approximately 1064 nm indicated by λ5 have a high absorption effect on hemoglobin in a range equal to or greater than the absorption peak indicated by A1, similar to the beams of light having peak wavelengths of approximately 532 nm indicated by λ1, approximately 585 nm indicated by λ2, and neighboring peak wavelengths. Note that the absorption peak indicated by A1 is the minimum absorption peak in the absorption spectrum of hemoglobin between approximately 532 nm indicated by λ1 and approximately 585 nm indicated by λ2.

[0067] 5, the beam light with a peak wavelength λ3 of approximately 940 nm, like the beam light with peak wavelengths λ1 and λ2 of approximately 532 nm and approximately 585 nm, tends to have the largest absorption peak in the surrounding wavelength range. Furthermore, the beam light with a peak wavelength λ3 of approximately 940 nm has the same level of effectiveness against hemoglobin as the beam light with peak wavelengths λ1 and λ2 of approximately 532 nm and approximately 585 nm.

[0068] 6, the penetration depths of the peak wavelengths λ3, λ4, and λ5 of approximately 860 nm, 940 nm, and 1064 nm are greater than the penetration depths of the peak wavelengths λ1 and λ2 of approximately 532 nm and 585 nm. Therefore, the unfocused beams of light with peak wavelengths λ1 and λ2 of approximately 532 nm and 585 nm, respectively, are unable to reach the capillary loop 111 and the subpapillary blood vessel 112 sufficiently to effectively remove the capillary loop 111 and the subpapillary blood vessel 112.

[0069] In contrast, unfocused beams of light with peak wavelengths λ3, λ4, and λ5 of approximately 860 nm, approximately 940 nm, and approximately 1064 nm, respectively, can reach the capillary loops 111 and the subpapillary blood vessels 112 to the extent that they can be removed. On the other hand, referring again to FIG. 5 , wavelengths of approximately 1064 nm and the surrounding wavelength ranges and wavelength ranges greater than this tend to affect the tissue surrounding the blood vessels 110 that affect melasma C, which is undesirable. Furthermore, taking into account manufacturing errors in the irradiation mechanism and changes in the usage environment, the variation in the peak wavelength of the beam of light irradiated from the irradiation mechanism is approximately ±10 nm.

[0070] Taking these factors into consideration, it is preferable that the upper limit of the range of peak wavelengths of the light beam L irradiated from the irradiation mechanism 10 that is effective for treating melasma C is approximately 950 nm, which is obtained by adding a variation of approximately 10 nm to the peak wavelength λ4 of approximately 940 nm. Therefore, the range of peak wavelengths of the light beam L irradiated from the irradiation mechanism 10 that is effective for treating melasma C can be approximately 860 nm to approximately 950 nm.

[0071] Furthermore, it is more preferable that the lower limit of the range of the peak wavelength λ3 of about 940 nm and its surrounding wavelengths be about 930 nm, which is obtained by subtracting a variation of about 10 nm from the peak wavelength λ4 of about 940 nm that is effective against hemoglobin as described above. Therefore, the peak wavelength range of the light beam L irradiated from the irradiation mechanism 10 that is effective for treating melasma C is preferably about 930 nm to about 950 nm, and more preferably about 940 nm.

[0072] "Beam light pulse width range and beam light fluence range" The range of the pulse width w of the light beam L will be described. From the viewpoint of efficiently removing the blood vessel 110 to be treated, the lower limit of the pulse width w can be set to approximately 1 msec. From the viewpoint of reducing invasiveness to the skin 100, the upper limit of the pulse width w can be set to approximately 1000 msec.

[0073] The range of the fluence f of the light beam L will be described. From the viewpoint of efficiently removing the blood vessel 110 to be treated, the upper limit of the fluence f is approximately 5 J / cm. 2 From the viewpoint of reducing invasiveness to the skin 100, the upper limit of the fluence f is approximately 200 J / cm 2 It can be said that:

[0074] "Melasma treatment method" A melasma treatment method according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 1. The melasma treatment method is a method used to treat melasma C occurring on the epidermis 101 of skin 100. In order to treat melasma C, such a melasma treatment method includes an irradiation step of irradiating a treatment target with beam light L having a peak wavelength within a range of about 860 nm to about 950 nm, preferably about 930 nm to about 950 nm, and more preferably about 940 nm, in a non-focused manner from the surface 100a of the skin 100.

[0075] In this irradiation step, in order to treat melasma C, the light beam L can be irradiated so as to remove the blood vessels 110 to be treated that are located within the epidermis 101 around the melasma C and on the inner side of the skin 100 relative to the melasma C, while preventing damage to the tissue surrounding the blood vessels 110 to be treated. In particular, the blood vessels 110 to be treated are preferably at least one of capillary loops 111 and subpapillary blood vessels 112 that are located within the dermis 102 of the skin 100 and closer to the epidermis 101.

[0076] Furthermore, in the irradiation step, it is preferable to irradiate the light beam L so that the pulse width w is within a range of about 1 msec to about 1000 msec or μsec. In the irradiation step, it is preferable to irradiate the light beam L so that the fluence f is about 5 J / cm 2 ~About 200J / cm 2 It is preferable to irradiate the light beam L so that the light beam L falls within the range.

[0077] As described above, cooler 30 has cooling unit 31 configured to be able to cool skin 100 while in contact with surface 100a of skin 100. Cooling unit 31 is arranged around irradiation port 2b on the outer periphery of housing 2a. In the irradiation step, while cooling unit 31 is in contact with skin 100, beam light L can be irradiated from surface 100a of skin 100 toward the treatment target.

[0078] Such a melasma treatment method includes multiple treatment procedures in which irradiation steps are repeated multiple times. These multiple treatment procedures are performed with a predetermined interval between them. This interval can be about 1 week to about 8 weeks, preferably about 2 weeks to about 4 weeks. This melasma treatment method can enhance the therapeutic effect of melasma C and reduce the impact on surrounding tissues of the treatment target related to melasma C during treatment.

[0079] As described above, the melasma treatment device 1 according to this embodiment can provide the following actions and effects. The melasma treatment device 1 according to this embodiment is a melasma treatment device 1 used to treat melasma C occurring on the epidermis 101 of the skin 100, and includes an irradiation mechanism 10 configured to be able to irradiate a beam of light L having a peak wavelength within a range of about 860 nm to about 950 nm, preferably about 930 nm to about 950 nm, and more preferably about 940 nm, in a non-focused manner from the surface 100a of the skin 100 toward a treatment target in order to treat the melasma C, and a controller 20 configured to be able to control the beam of light L irradiated from the irradiation mechanism 10 to treat the melasma C.

[0080] Furthermore, in the melasma treatment device 1 according to this embodiment, the controller 20 is configured to control the beam light L irradiated from the irradiation mechanism 10 to prevent damage to the tissue surrounding the blood vessel 110 to be treated, while removing the blood vessel 110 to be treated that is located within the epidermis 101 around the melasma C and on the inner side of the skin 100 relative to the melasma C, in order to treat the melasma C.

[0081] The melasma treatment device 1 is intended to treat blood vessels 110 that affect melasma C due to the above-described mechanism of occurrence of melasma C. The peak wavelength of the light beam L from the irradiation mechanism 10 is within a range of approximately 860 nm to approximately 950 nm, preferably approximately 930 nm to approximately 950 nm, and more preferably approximately 940 nm. As described above, such light beam L acts effectively on red hemoglobin, and therefore acts effectively on the blood vessels 110 that are the treatment target. Furthermore, the penetration depth of the light beam L within such wavelength range is suitable for reaching the blood vessels 110 that are the treatment target from the surface 100a of the skin 100. Therefore, the blood vessels 110 that are the treatment target can be efficiently removed.

[0082] Furthermore, the light beam L from the irradiation mechanism 10 is irradiated onto the treatment target in a non-focused manner, and such light beam L acts on the blood vessel 110 of the treatment target so as to vaporize the treatment target without incising the treatment target. Therefore, as described above, it is possible to efficiently remove the blood vessel 110 of the treatment target while reliably preventing damage to the tissue surrounding the blood vessel 110 of the treatment target. Therefore, it is possible to improve the therapeutic effect of melasma C and reduce invasiveness to the skin 100.

[0083] In the melasma treatment device 1 according to this embodiment, the blood vessels 110 to be treated are at least one of capillary loops 111 and subpapillary blood vessels 112 located closer to the epidermis 101 in the dermis 102 of the skin 100. In such a melasma treatment device 1, the unfocused light beam L having a peak wavelength within a range of approximately 860 nm to approximately 950 nm, preferably approximately 930 nm to approximately 950 nm, and more preferably approximately 940 nm, effectively acts on the capillary loops 111 and subpapillary blood vessels 112 located closer to the epidermis 101 in the dermis 102 of the skin 100. Therefore, the blood vessels 110 that affect the melasma C can be efficiently removed.

[0084] In the melasma treatment device 1 according to this embodiment, the controller 20 sets the pulse width w of the light beam L within a range of about 1 msec to about 1000 msec, and the fluence f of the light beam L to about 5 J / cm 2~About 200J / cm 2 The irradiation mechanism 10 can be controlled so that the irradiation distance is within the range of 100. In such a melasma treatment device 1, it is possible to efficiently remove the blood vessels 110 to be treated and reduce the invasiveness to the skin 100.

[0085] The melasma treatment device 1 of this embodiment includes a cooler 30 configured to be able to cool the skin 100, and the cooler 30 has a cooling unit 31 configured to be able to cool the skin 100 while in contact with the surface 100a of the skin 100, the cooling unit 31 being arranged around the beam light L irradiated from the irradiation mechanism 10, and the controller 20 is configured to be able to control the cooler 30 to switch between a cooling on state in which the cooler 30 is operated to cool the skin 100 and a cooling off state in which the operation of the cooler 30 is stopped.

[0086] The light beam L having a peak wavelength within a range of approximately 860 nm to approximately 950 nm, preferably approximately 930 nm to approximately 950 nm, and more preferably approximately 940 nm, can efficiently remove the blood vessels 110 to be treated, but tends to place a heavy burden on the skin. In contrast, the melasma treatment device 1 according to this embodiment can efficiently remove the blood vessels 110 to be treated by the light beam L while directly cooling the skin 100 with the cooling unit 31 of the cooler 30. Therefore, the therapeutic effect on melasma C can be improved while reducing invasiveness to the skin 100.

[0087] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and the present invention can be modified and changed based on the technical concept thereof. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 1. Melasma treatment device 10... Irradiation mechanism, 11... Optical oscillator, 20... Controller, 30... Cooler, 31... Cooling unit L...Beam light 100...skin, 100a...surface, 101...epidermis, 110...blood vessels, 111...capillary loops, 112...subpapillary blood vessels C…Melasma

Claims

1. A melasma treatment device used to treat melasma occurring on the epidermis of the skin, an irradiation mechanism configured to be able to irradiate a single-wavelength beam light having a peak wavelength in a range of 860 nm to 950 nm from the surface of the skin toward a treatment target in a non-focused manner in order to treat the melasma; a controller configured to be able to control the beam light emitted from the irradiation mechanism to treat the melasma; A melasma treatment device comprising:

2. 2. The melasma treatment device according to claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to control the beam light irradiated from the irradiation mechanism so as to prevent damage to tissues surrounding the blood vessels to be treated, while removing the blood vessels to be treated that are located within the epidermis around the melasma and on the inner side of the skin relative to the melasma, in order to treat the melasma.

3. The melasma treatment device according to claim 2 , wherein the blood vessels to be treated are at least one of capillary loops and subpapillary blood vessels located in the dermis of the skin near the epidermis.

4. The controller sets the pulse width of the light beam within a range of 1 msec to 1000 msec, and the fluence of the light beam to 5 J / cm ２ ~200 J / cm ２ The melasma treatment device according to claim 2 , wherein the irradiation mechanism is controllable so that the irradiation intensity is within a range of 1000 nm to 1000 nm.

5. a cooler configured to enable cooling of the skin; the cooler has a cooling portion configured to cool the skin while in contact with a surface of the skin, the cooling unit is disposed around the beam light emitted from the irradiation mechanism, 2. The melasma treatment device according to claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to control the cooler to switch between a cooling-on state in which the cooler is operated to cool the skin and a cooling-off state in which the operation of the cooler is stopped.

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