Erbium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet ablative laser treatment for endogenous ochronosis

Abstract

Ochronosis is a rare disease characterised clinically by bluish-grey skin discolouration and histologically by yellow-brown pigment deposits in the dermis. It occurs in endogenous and exogenous forms. Endogenous ochronosis, also known as alkaptonuria, is an autosomal recessive disease of tyrosine metabolism, resulting in the accumulation and deposition of homogentisic acid in connective tissue. We report a case of facial endogenous ochronosis and coexistent photodamage, which was successfully treated with erbium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet laser resurfacing and deep focal point treatment to remove areas of residual deep pigment.

Keywords: Er:YAG laser; ablative laser; alkaptonuria; deep focal point laser; endogenous ochronosis; laser resurfacing; ochronosis.