OBJECTIVE: To review the current therapy for granuloma annulare and report a case of refractory generalized granuloma annulare successfully treated with excimer laser. A discussion about the characteristics of excimer laser and the mechanism of its effectiveness is presented. DESIGN: Patient case report and literature review. SETTING: Outpatient dermatology practice. PARTICIPANTS: A 73-year-old woman suffering from generalized granuloma annulare for more than 40 years. MEASUREMENTS: Change in clinical appearance of lesions. RESULTS: Use of excimer laser therapy resulted in prompt and complete resolution in treated areas with no residual skin changes or side effects. CONCLUSION: Excimer laser therapy is a powerful treatment modality with minimal side effects for patients with granuloma annulare. Further study is necessary to elucidate optimal dosing, long-term efficacy, and safety profile.
OBJECTIVE: To review the current therapy for granuloma annulare and report a case of refractory generalized granuloma annulare successfully treated with excimer laser. A discussion about the characteristics of excimer laser and the mechanism of its effectiveness is presented. DESIGN:Patient case report and literature review. SETTING:Outpatient dermatology practice. PARTICIPANTS: A 73-year-old woman suffering from generalized granuloma annulare for more than 40 years. MEASUREMENTS: Change in clinical appearance of lesions. RESULTS: Use of excimer laser therapy resulted in prompt and complete resolution in treated areas with no residual skin changes or side effects. CONCLUSION: Excimer laser therapy is a powerful treatment modality with minimal side effects for patients with granuloma annulare. Further study is necessary to elucidate optimal dosing, long-term efficacy, and safety profile.