Fractional ablative Er:YAG laser therapy in a patient with chronic recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa: a case report and review of literature

Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) is an autosomal recessive disorder that affects type VII collagen, one of the main components of the basement membrane. Patients present with non-healing chronic wounds in the body, extremities, and mucosal areas. There are many suggestive medical and surgical treatments, but most are ineffective. In this case, we discuss a new laserassisted surgical protocol for these types of patients. A 54-year-old male patient was suffering from RDEB with large, excruciating, non-healing wounds on his extremities dating ten months, with no reasonable improvement, despite receiving intensive wound care. After ruling out other diagnoses (particularly malignancies), treatment was performed with a fractional Er:YAG laser for a single session. After four weeks of follow-up, the patient showed significant improvement, with no considerable complications reported. Fractional ablative Er:YAG laser could be an effective treatment option in RDEB patients. Clinical trials are required with long-term follow-ups for this novel treatment approach.