The Role of Lasers in Connective Tissue and Inflammatory Dermatoses: A 10-Year Retrospective Review of 60 Patients in a UK Tertiary Laser Clinic.

INTRODUCTION

The role of lasers in the treatment of standard therapy-resistant inflammatory dermatoses and connective tissue disorders has been controversial and evidence supporting the role of lasers in this setting is scarce.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficacy of lasers in the management of inflammatory dermatoses and connective tissue disorders (CTD).

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A retrospective case review of all inflammatory dermatoses/connective tissue diseases treated in a tertiary laser clinic between March 2010 and 2020 was undertaken.

RESULTS

A total of 60 cases (48 = female) were included and the average age was 51 years (range 21 to 74). The following conditions were treated: scleroderma n = 22 (37%), granuloma faciale n = 10 (17%), sarcoidosis n = 8 (13%), discoid lupus erythematosus n = 7 (12%), and systemic lupus erythematosus n = 2 (3%). Other diagnoses included necrobiosis lipoidica, pyoderma vegetans, hypertrophic lichen planus, and dermatomyositis. The most common type of laser used was pulsed dye laser (PDL) in n = 41 (68%) cases. Eight (13%) patients received treatment with the carbon dioxide (CO2) laser. The most common site treated was the face. A good response with a marked reduction of signs was seen in 62% of patients while 10% of the patients did not respond to laser treatment. Self-limiting complications included purpura and hyperpigmentation.

LIMITATIONS: Lack of objective assessment and outcome measures.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the largest cohort of patients to have undergone laser treatment for inflammatory dermatoses/connective tissue disease. Based on this retrospective review, we conclude that lasers can be a useful adjunct in the management of otherwise difficult-to-treat selected inflammatory and connective tissue diseases.