Pulsed dye laser treatment for Jessner's lymphocytic infiltration of the skin

Background. - Jessner's lymphocytic infiltration of the skin (LIS) is a chronic, benign T-cell infiltrative disorder, usually manifesting as erythematous papules or plaques on the face, neck and back. Patients and methods. - Five patients presented LIS with numerous skin lesions on the face and back characteristic of this disease. Histological examination showed a lymphocytic infiltrate in the dermis without any modification of the epidermis. Direct immunofluorescent study was negative in all cases. Response to dermocorticoids proved inconsistent or negative in all patients. An excellent outcome was achieved in all five patients with pulsed dye laser. In one case, further skin lesions appeared at 1 year and responded to the same treatment. Following a single treatment session with 6-8 J/cm(2), three of five patients showed normal skin. Regression occurred in the other two cases after two to three sessions. Pulsed dye laser appeared to be the best treatment for Jessner-Kanof disease for three patients at 4-8 years of follow-up. Discussion. - Only one case of Jessner-Kanof disease treated by pulsed dye laser has been reported. Pulsed dye laser has been used in cutaneous lupus and annular granuloma. Selective photothermolysis allows photocoagulation of dilated vessels. Conclusion. Pulsed dye laser at 595 nm could offer a valuable therapeutic alternative, and even a first-line treatment with no side effects. (C) 2010 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.