Granuloma annulare treated with excimer laser.

OBJECTIVE

To review the current therapy for granuloma annulare and report a case of refractory generalized granuloma annulare successfully treated with excimer laser. A discussion about the characteristics of excimer laser and the mechanism of its effectiveness is presented.

DESIGN

Patient case report and literature review.

SETTING

Outpatient dermatology practice.

PARTICIPANTS

A 73-year-old woman suffering from generalized granuloma annulare for more than 40 years.

MEASUREMENTS: Change in clinical appearance of lesions.

RESULTS

Use of excimer laser therapy resulted in prompt and complete resolution in treated areas with no residual skin changes or side effects.

CONCLUSION

Excimer laser therapy is a powerful treatment modality with minimal side effects for patients with granuloma annulare. Further study is necessary to elucidate optimal dosing, long-term efficacy, and safety profile.