Fractional photothermolysis for the treatment of granuloma annulare: a case report.

BACKGROUND AND

OBJECTIVE

To date, reports on the safe and effective laser treatment of disseminated granuloma annulare (GA) are still limited.

STUDY DESIGN/PATIENT AND

METHODS

A 58-year-old Caucasian female with disseminated GA was treated with fractional photothermolysis (FP) using a 1,440-nm Nd:YAG laser. Four lesions on the patient's left upper arm were defined as the "test region" with the remaining untreated areas serving as controls.

RESULTS

A complete remission was achieved after two to three treatment sessions. Treatments were well tolerated. Due to the controlled study design, a spontaneous remission was unlikely.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that FP may be a potentially efficacious therapeutic approach and should be considered in managing generalized GA.