Evaluation of CO2 laser efficacy in the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis in a group of 10 Sudanese patients

Abstract Background and objective: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a protozoal skin disease, transmitted by the bite of an infected female sand fly. The result of infection can vary from a chronic skin ulcer to erosive mucosal disease. The disease is endemic in Sudan, persists for longer periods and heals with disfiguring scars. The use of lasers has not been extensively tried out in the treatment of this disease. The present case study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a fractional CO2 laser treatment in a group of Sudanese patients suffering from CL. Patients and methods: The ulcers of 10 randomly selected Sudanese patients, diagnosed as CL patients, were ablated using a 10,600 nm CO2 laser in fractional mode with a power density of up to 2 W/cm2. The reaction of the patients was observed and their response to the treatment was evaluated 1, 2 and 4 weeks after the laser session. Lesions were photographed and rated by the patient him/herself and an independent blinded evaluator. Results: The majority of the patients (8 out of 10) had either a complete or very good improvement by the end of follow-up. Pain occurred post-operatively in all patients, while edema, infection and hypo/hyperpigmentation occurred in only two patients. These side effects were trivial and disappeared a few days after treatment. Conclusion: The fractional CO2 laser can be used as a good modality for the treatment of CL ulcers.