Cutaneous Sarcoidosis Induced by Laser Therapy: Case Report and Review of the Literature

TL;DR

A woman developed skin sarcoidosis after laser treatment, showing how cosmetic procedures can sometimes cause unexpected health issues.

Contribution

This case report highlights laser therapy as a potential inducer of cutaneous sarcoidosis, emphasizing the need for personalized treatment strategies.

Findings

A 38-year-old woman developed cutaneous sarcoidosis following fractional laser treatment.

Topical and systemic treatments provided partial relief, but gradual tapering was needed for lesion reduction.

Laser therapy is commonly used to treat sarcoidosis but may also trigger its onset.

Abstract

Background: Sarcoidosis, characterized by non-caseating epithelioid granulomas, presents diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Method: Here we present a 38-year-old woman who exhibited erythematous and infiltrated skin lesions on her facial region following fractional laser treatment. Results: Histological analysis confirmed cutaneous sarcoidosis. Initial interventions with topical clobetasol and oral chloroquine provided transient relief. Subsequent outpatient management comprised topical tacrolimus and clobetasol, as well as systemic methotrexate, later substituted with prednisone. Gradual tapering resulted in lesion reduction. Conclusions: This case underscores the intricate nature of cutaneous sarcoidosis and the necessity for personalized therapeutic approaches. The association with cosmetic procedures highlights the importance of understanding potential triggers. The presented case highlights and reminds the medical community that lasers are not only used for therapeutic purposes but can also induce specific responses through laser therapy. Notably, while laser therapy is frequently employed in treating cutaneous sarcoidosis, its role in inducing sarcoidosis warrants further investigation.

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