Eruptive keratoacanthomas following carbon dioxide laser resurfacing

BACKGROUND. Skin resurfacing with the carbon dioxide (CO₂) laser is currently a popular means of improving rhytides and scars. Scarring, hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, and infection are among the complications that have been known to occur in some patients treated with the CO₂ laser. OBJECTIVE. We wish to communicate a previously unreported complication of CO₂ laser resurfacing - multiple eruptive keratoacanthomas. METHOD. We describe a 61-year-old woman who presented with multiple eruptive keratoacanthomas subsequent to CO₂ laser resurfacing. Her lesions were cultured for fungus and bacteria. Biopsy specimens of two lesions were taken. RESULTS. Cultures were negative for pathogens. Biopsy specimens revealed atypical squamous epithelial proliferation and changes consistent with eruptive keratoacanthomas. CONCLUSION. Multiple eruptive keratoacanthomas should be considered as a rare complication of CO₂ laser resurfacing.