Assessment of the efficacy of cryosurgery in the treatment of granuloma faciale.

BACKGROUND

Granuloma faciale (GF) is an uncommon dermatosis of unknown pathogenesis. Multiple treatments have been proposed with varying results. We report nine cases treated successfully with cryosurgery and we review the literature.

OBJECTIVES

To study the efficacy, tolerability and safety of cryosurgery techniques in the treatment of GF.

METHODS

Nine immunocompetent adults with GF were treated by cryosurgery. The initiation of the therapy was preceded by a 60-day washout period in all subjects using other medication. Two different techniques were used (open-spray and contact cryo-probe).

RESULTS

All patients were treated successfully. Apart from mild postinflammatory hypopigmentation in two patients that resolved within 4 months, no other adverse event was mentioned. During an average 24-month follow-up period after the integration of therapy, no recurrences were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Cryosurgery is an efficient, safe, inexpensive, easily used method for this uncommon dermatosis, which can be proposed as a treatment of first intention.