Treatment of angiokeratoma of Fordyce with long-pulse neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet laser.

BACKGROUND: Angiokeratomas are typically asymptomatic, blue-to-red papules with a scaly surface located on the scrotum, shaft of penis, labia majora, inner thigh, or lower abdomen. The treatment of angiokeratomas may be necessary if they bleed and lead to patient anxiety.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the safety and effectiveness of long-pulse 1,064 neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet (Nd:YAG) laser for the treatment of angiokeratomas of Fordyce.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten consecutive patients with angiokeratoma of Fordyce were treated with long-pulse Nd:YAG laser in two to six sessions. The three authors independently assessed improvement of the lesion based on digital photographs taken before the treatment and 2 months after the end of the treatment.

RESULTS: Significant (>75%, <100%) and moderate (>50%, <75%) improvement was seen in six and two patients, respectively. Complete improvement was achieved in one patient. Transient swelling, purpura, bleeding, and some pain in the treated area were noted in all patients as short-term side effects. There were no permanent side effects.

CONCLUSION: The long-pulse Nd:YAG laser is a highly effective and safe treatment for angiokeratoma of Fordyce.