Laser Therapy in the Treatment of Scarring Secondary to Pyoderma Gangrenosum: A Case Series

To evaluate the effectiveness of laser therapy, such as non-ablative fractional laser and pulse-dye laser therapy in reducing scar hypertrophy and erythema in patients with healed pyoderma gangrenosum lesions following successful control of systemic inflammation.

A retrospective case series was conducted of six female patients who underwent non-ablative and pulse-dye laser therapy to treat scarring secondary to healed pyoderma gangrenosum lesions. Treatment courses varied by patient and are detailed in the full case descriptions. Clinical photographs and chart documentation were retrospectively reviewed to assess patient outcomes. The authors obtained written consent from patients for their photographs and medical information to be published in print and online, and with the understanding that this information may be publicly available.

All six patients demonstrated visible improvement in scar appearance, such as hypertrophy and erythema, documented by clinical examination and serial photography. Although no standardized assessment scales were applied, all patients reported subjective improvement in pain, texture, or appearance. No disease recurrence or signs of pathergy were observed following treatment.

This case series highlights the potential utility of non-ablative fractional laser and pulse-dye laser therapy to improve scar hypertrophy, pain, erythema, and appearance in healed pyoderma gangrenosum lesions. When initiated after systemic inflammatory disease is adequately controlled, the risk of pathergy appears minimized. Although larger studies are needed, this series highlights a promising approach to scar reduction in pyoderma gangrenosum.