Successful treatment of Dowling-Degos disease with Er:YAG laser.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Dowling-Degos disease is a rare condition with a genetically determined disturbance of epidermal proliferation. The typical clinical picture is a reticulate pigmentation of the flexures, genital folds, and pectoral skin areas. Many different treatment options have been tried in recent years without a convincing therapeutic benefit.

OBJECTIVE:

To determine the effectiveness of Er:YAG laser in Dowling-Degos disease.

METHODS:

A 44-year-old woman suffering from Dowling-Degos disease was treated with the Er:YAG laser pulse energy between 1,000 and 1,200 mJ, three consecutive passes.

RESULTS:

The laser treatment led to a good clinical result.

CONCLUSION:

Our case suggest that treatment with the Er:YAG laser might be a successful strategy in Dowling-Degos disease.

• Authors: Joerg Wenzel, Katja Tappe, Rainer Gerdsen, Manfred Uerlich, Wolfgang Philipp-Dormston, Thomas Bieber, Welisar Petrow
• Journal: Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.] (Dermatol Surg) Vol. 28 Issue 8 Pg. 748-50 (Aug 2002) ISSN: 1076-0512 [Print] United States
• PMID: 12174072 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Topics

• Adult
• Diagnosis, Differential
• Female
• Humans
• Laser Therapy
• Pigmentation Disorders (diagnosis, radiotherapy)