BACKGROUND: Galli-Galli disease (GGD) represents a rare genodermatosis that is clinically characterized by progressive reticulate hyperpigmentation of the flexures accompanied by itching and pain. To date, no convincing treatment options are known for GGD. We sought to examine the therapeutic potential of ablative laser treatment in a patient with genetically confirmed GGD. OBSERVATIONS: We describe a 68-year-old man with refractory bilateral axillary GGD accompanied by severe itching and pain. His clinical picture and histologic findings were consistent with GGD. Direct sequencing analysis of the KRT5 gene identified the causative mutation, c.418dupA, and confirmed the clinical diagnosis. The patient was treated with the erbium:YAG laser in 2 consecutive sessions for each side and was followed up for 12 months. Ablative laser treatment led to complete resolution of clinical symptoms and a good clinical result with only minimal scarring and dyspigmentation. CONCLUSIONS: This article demonstrates the efficacy of ablative laser treatment in a patient with genetically confirmed refractory GGD. However, further studies with longer follow-up are required to confirm these results.
BACKGROUND: Galli-Galli disease (GGD) represents a rare genodermatosis that is clinically characterized by progressive reticulate hyperpigmentation of the flexures accompanied by itching and pain. To date, no convincing treatment options are known for GGD. We sought to examine the therapeutic potential of ablative laser treatment in a patient with genetically confirmed GGD. OBSERVATIONS: We describe a 68-year-old man with refractory bilateral axillary GGD accompanied by severe itching and pain. His clinical picture and histologic findings were consistent with GGD. Direct sequencing analysis of the KRT5 gene identified the causative mutation, c.418dupA, and confirmed the clinical diagnosis. The patient was treated with the erbium:YAG laser in 2 consecutive sessions for each side and was followed up for 12 months. Ablative laser treatment led to complete resolution of clinical symptoms and a good clinical result with only minimal scarring and dyspigmentation. CONCLUSIONS: This article demonstrates the efficacy of ablative laser treatment in a patient with genetically confirmed refractory GGD. However, further studies with longer follow-up are required to confirm these results.