Eruptive keratoacanthomas following carbon dioxide laser resurfacing

BACKGROUND. Skin resurfacing with the carbon dioxide (CO2) laser is current ly a popular means of improving rhytides and scars. Scarring, hyperpigmenta tion, 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 C O2 laser resurfacing-multiple eruptive keratoacanthomas. METHOD. We describe a 61-year-old woman who presented with multiple eruptiv e keratoacanthomas subsequent to CO2 laser resurfacing. Her lesions were cu ltured for fungus and bacteria. Biopsy specimens of two lesions were taken. RESULTS. Cultures were negative for pathogens. Biopsy specimens revealed at ypical squamous epithelial proliferation and changes consistent with erupti ve keratoacanthomas. CONCLUSION. Multiple eruptive keratoacanthomas should be considered as a ra re complication of CO2 laser resurfacing.