Treatment of angiokeratoma of Fordyce with pulsed dye laser.

BACKGROUND

Angiokeratomas of Fordyce are typically asymptomatic vascular lesions characterized by blue-to-red papules with a scale surface, most often located on the scrotum. Although considered benign, the lesions may bleed, either spontaneously or secondary to rupture, leading to patient anxiety and social embarrassment.

OBJECTIVE

The objective was to determine the safety and effectiveness of 585-nm pulsed dye laser for the treatment of angiokeratomas of Fordyce.

METHODS

Twelve patients with Fitzpatrick skin type II to IV were treated for angiokeratomas of Fordyce with pulsed dye laser (5.5-8.0 J/cm(2)) in two to six sessions. Lesion clearance was evaluated by two specialists on the basis of digital photographs taken before the first treatment and 2 months after the last treatment.

RESULTS

Seven patients had an excellent response (clearance rating 75%-100%) and five patients had a good response (clearance rating 50%-75%). Transient purpura and pain were present in all patients. Bleeding during treatment occurred in five patients. There were no permanent side effects.

CONCLUSION

Pulsed dye laser is effective and safe for the treatment of angiokeratoma of Fordyce, with minimum side effects, providing an additional nonablative therapeutic option.