Treatment of angiokeratoma of Fordyce with pulsed dye laser.

Abstract

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.

• Authors: Moshe Lapidoth, Dean Ad-El, Michael David, Ron Azaria
• Journal: Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.] (Dermatol Surg) Vol. 32 Issue 9 Pg. 1147-50 (Sep 2006) ISSN: 1076-0512 [Print] United States
• PMID: 16970695 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article)

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Angiokeratoma (pathology, radiotherapy)
• Follow-Up Studies
• Genital Neoplasms, Male (pathology, radiotherapy)
• Humans
• Low-Level Light Therapy (methods)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Penile Neoplasms (pathology, radiotherapy)
• Scrotum (pathology)
• Skin Neoplasms (pathology, radiotherapy)
• Treatment Outcome