Laser therapy for Hailey-Hailey disease: Review of the literature and a case report

Abstract

Medical therapy for Hailey-Hailey disease (HHD) generally only provides temporary suppression. Surgical intervention has been shown to prolong remission, but may lead to significant morbidity. Laser therapy is becoming the preferred method of treatment because of its successful results and lower risk of complications compared to surgical modalities. We report a case of fractional ablative carbon dioxide (CO 2) laser treatment for HHD and review the relevant literature. Fractional CO 2 laser therapy was performed in our patient with a 14-year history of HHD. No recurrence was observed 5 months after laser therapy in right inframammary and axillary regions. Symptomatic recurrence was noted after treatment of inguinal areas. In conclusion, traditional laser ablation remains the treatment of choice for prolonged remission of recalcitrant plaques in HHD. © A.E. Ortiz and C.B. Zachary, 2011.