ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Granuloma annulare is a benign inflammatory dermatosis of unknown etiology, which is characterized by the development of flesh-colored or red papules often arranged in rings on the skin. Currently there are no effective treatments for granuloma annulare. Topical and intradermal applications of glucocorticosteroids produce a short-term and insufficient therapeutic effect. The method cannot be used in extensive rashes. Fractional photothermolysis is a physical method for ablative exposure of tissues to an erbium laser via their local heating with light energy in certain areas. AIM: To investigate the efficiency of fractional photothermolysis in the therapy of patients with granuloma annulare. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-eight patients diagnosed with granuloma annulare were followed up. All the patients were treated with fractional Fotona Fidelis XS erbium laser at a wavelength of 2940 nm using a FS01 maniple. The treatment cycle consisted of 5 sessions. RESULT: After the treatment, the GASI index was decreased by 50, 75, and 100% in 5 (17.9%), 15 (53.6%), and 8 (28.6%) patients, respectively. The median GASI index was decreased by a total of 2.8 times (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The study showed the high efficiency of fractional photothermolysis in the treatment of patients with granuloma annulare. This method can be recommended for the treatment of common forms of granuloma annulare.