An Excimer Laser-Induced Eruptive Sebaceous Hyperplasia

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Cutaneous Oncology
• Photomedicine

Background:

• Sebaceous hyperplasia (SH) is a common benign condition of sebaceous glands, often linked to UV radiation.
• 308-nm excimer laser therapy is used for conditions like vitiligo, with known side effects including erythema and pain.
• The potential role of excimer lasers in causing SH is not well-documented.

Observation:

• A 59-year-old female developed facial papules after 11 weeks of 308-nm excimer laser treatment for vitiligo.
• The lesions, consistent with SH, appeared in the areas treated by the laser.
• Histopathology confirmed enlarged sebaceous glands with typical SH morphology.

Findings:

• The patient's eruptive SH was temporally associated with 308-nm excimer laser sessions.
• The cumulative laser dose was 3,300 mJ/cm² over 16 sessions.
• This case presents a potential iatrogenic cause of sebaceous hyperplasia.

Implications:

• This case highlights a rare adverse effect of 308-nm excimer laser therapy.
• Further research is needed to understand the mechanism linking excimer lasers to SH.
• Clinicians should be aware of this potential side effect when using 308-nm excimer lasers.