A case of solitary angiokeratoma successfully treated with a 1064-nm long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser

Abstract

Angiokeratomas are vascular malformations that are clinically or histologically verrucous, with superficial vessels just beneath the epidermis. Solitary angiokeratomas occur most commonly as a small, warty, black papule on the lower extremities. Various therapeutic methods, including laser, electrocoagulation, excision, and cryotherapy, may be used for their treatment. A 13-year-old girl presented to the laser clinic for the treatment of her lesions that were present for two months. A 1064-nm long-pulsed Nd:YAG (yttrium aluminium garnet) laser was used to treat the patient's lesions. We performed two laser treatment sessions at a 4-week interval. We saw the patient 1 month after the last treatment session and obtained successful cosmetically acceptable results. No recurrence was observed over a follow-up period of 3 months. Long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser is more effective for the treatment of hyperkeratotic angiokeratomas due to deeper skin penetration of laser. Long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser is an effective and safe therapeutic option for the treatment of solitary angiokeratomas.