Successful laser therapy of a papular acantholytic dyskeratosis of the vulva: case report and review of literature

Abstract

Background: The papular acantholytic dyskeratosis summarizes a collection of papular skin lesions which occur in intertriginous areas and in the genital area. They show a very characteristic histology without the connection to a syndrome such as the Hailey-Hailey disease or the Darier disease.

Methods: We present the case of an affected 45-year-old woman and evaluate the laser therapy as therapeutic option.

Results: A long lasting reduction of the symptoms was achieved by paying special attention to involving the deep tissue layers while performing the laser therapy. Despite causing a long and painful healing process, this was the only way to achieve a lasting reduction of the symptoms.

Conclusions: Laser therapy in afflicted areas can improve the symptoms of the papular acantholytic dyskeratosis. The deep tissue laser therapy showed more success than the superficial laser therapy.