Treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis using a carbon dioxide laser.

Use of a carbon dioxide laser to vaporize the local lesions caused by cutaneous leishmaniasis is reported. A total of 108 patients have been treated in this way and followed up. The treatment reduces the management time of patients at least 1.5 times and is followed by satisfactory aesthetic outcomes. No recurrences have been observed among the 82 patients who have been followed up for 7 years.