Fractional photothermolysis for the treatment of granuloma annulare: a case report.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE To date, reports on the safe and effective laser treatment of disseminated granuloma annulare (GA) are still limited. STUDY DESIGN/PATIENT AND METHODS A 58-year-old Caucasian female with disseminated GA was treated with fractional photothermolysis (FP) using a 1,440-nm Nd:YAG laser. Four lesions on the patient's left upper arm were defined as the "test region" with the remaining untreated areas serving as controls. RESULTS A complete remission was achieved after two to three treatment sessions. Treatments were well tolerated. Due to the controlled study design, a spontaneous remission was unlikely. CONCLUSION We conclude that FP may be a potentially efficacious therapeutic approach and should be considered in managing generalized GA.