Before and after images of CO2 laser therapy for Erdheim-Chester disease skin lesions.

Erdheim-Chester Disease: A Novel Treatment for Cutaneous Lesions

Rhea Morgan in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 5 min read.

"Carbon Dioxide Laser Therapy Shows Promise in Treating Rare Skin Manifestations"

Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) is a rare and complex condition characterized by the abnormal accumulation of histiocytes (a type of immune cell) in various tissues and organs. This can lead to a wide range of symptoms, depending on the affected areas. While ECD can manifest in many ways, skin lesions are a particularly distressing symptom for many patients. These lesions, often yellowish nodules, can appear on the eyelids and other parts of the body, causing significant cosmetic and psychological distress.

Traditional treatments for ECD, such as interferon-alpha, anakinra, and vemurafenib, aim to manage the underlying immune dysfunction and reduce the accumulation of histiocytes. However, these treatments may not always be effective in addressing the cutaneous manifestations of the disease. As a result, there is a need for alternative or adjunctive therapies that can specifically target the skin lesions and improve the quality of life for ECD patients.

A recent study published in the British Journal of Dermatology has explored the use of carbon dioxide (CO2) laser therapy as a novel approach to treating cutaneous lesions in ECD. This article will delve into the findings of this study, examining the effectiveness and potential benefits of CO2 laser therapy in managing these disfiguring skin manifestations.

CO2 Laser Therapy: A Promising Solution for ECD Skin Lesions

Before and after images of CO2 laser therapy for Erdheim-Chester disease skin lesions.

The study focused on a 53-year-old man with ECD who presented with yellowish nodules on both eyelids, a condition he had been experiencing for several years. Traditional treatments had proven ineffective in resolving these skin lesions. Given the wide surface area affected, doctors opted to treat the patient with CO2 laser therapy. The procedure involved using a laser with a spot size of 2-3 mm, a fluence of 10-12 W, and a pulse duration of 0.1 seconds.

After just two treatment sessions, the patient experienced excellent results. The nodules on his eyelids significantly reduced, leading to a marked improvement in his appearance and overall quality of life. This outcome suggests that CO2 laser therapy could be a valuable tool in managing cutaneous lesions associated with ECD.

Here's why CO2 laser therapy might be an effective treatment option:

Precision Targeting: CO2 lasers can precisely target the affected skin tissue, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy areas.
Minimally Invasive: The procedure is minimally invasive, reducing the risk of scarring and other complications.
Relatively Quick Results: As demonstrated in the study, noticeable improvements can be achieved in just a few treatment sessions.

While this study highlights a promising outcome, it's important to note that it involves a single patient. Further research with larger patient groups is needed to confirm the effectiveness and safety of CO2 laser therapy for ECD-related skin lesions. Nonetheless, this case suggests that CO2 laser therapy could be considered as a viable option for patients seeking relief from these disfiguring manifestations.

The Future of ECD Treatment: A Multifaceted Approach

The successful use of CO2 laser therapy in this case study underscores the importance of a multifaceted approach to managing Erdheim-Chester disease. While systemic treatments like interferon-alpha and kinase inhibitors are crucial for addressing the underlying immune dysfunction, local therapies like CO2 laser therapy can play a significant role in improving the quality of life for patients experiencing distressing skin lesions.

Further research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits and limitations of CO2 laser therapy for ECD-related skin manifestations. Clinical trials involving larger patient cohorts and longer follow-up periods would provide more robust evidence to guide treatment decisions. Additionally, studies comparing CO2 laser therapy to other local treatment options, such as topical medications or cryotherapy, would help determine the optimal approach for managing these lesions.

As our understanding of Erdheim-Chester disease continues to evolve, it is likely that a combination of systemic and local therapies will be necessary to effectively manage the diverse manifestations of this rare and complex condition. CO2 laser therapy represents a promising addition to the treatment armamentarium for ECD, offering hope for improved cosmetic outcomes and enhanced quality of life for affected individuals.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1111/bjd.17032, Alternate LINK

Title: Image Gallery: Cutaneous Lesions Of Erdheim-Chester Disease Treated With Carbon Dioxide Laser Therapy

Subject: Dermatology

Journal: British Journal of Dermatology

Publisher: Wiley

Authors: M. Elosua-González, J.L. López-Estebaranz, A. Pampín-Franco, E. García-Zamora, L. Villalón-Blanco

Published: 2018-12-01

Everything You Need To Know

What is Erdheim-Chester disease, and why are skin lesions a concern?

Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) is a rare condition characterized by the abnormal buildup of histiocytes in different parts of the body, leading to various symptoms. Skin lesions, often yellowish nodules, are a particularly visible and distressing symptom for those affected. The importance lies in understanding that these lesions can significantly impact a patient's quality of life due to their appearance. This necessitates treatments that address these specific manifestations, offering hope for symptom relief and improved well-being.

How does carbon dioxide laser therapy work in the context of this condition?

Carbon dioxide (CO2) laser therapy is a treatment that uses a CO2 laser to precisely target and treat skin lesions. In the context of Erdheim-Chester disease, this therapy aims to reduce or eliminate the disfiguring skin nodules that are a common symptom. The significance of CO2 laser therapy is its ability to offer a localized treatment option for the cutaneous manifestations of ECD, potentially improving both the physical appearance and the psychological well-being of patients. This approach provides a method to specifically target and treat these lesions, offering a solution when systemic treatments might not fully resolve the skin issues.

What happened in the study involving carbon dioxide laser therapy?

The study involved a 53-year-old man diagnosed with Erdheim-Chester disease who had skin lesions on his eyelids. After traditional treatments failed to resolve the lesions, CO2 laser therapy was used. The treatment involved the use of a laser with a specific spot size, fluence, and pulse duration. The patient experienced a significant reduction in the nodules after only two treatment sessions, improving his appearance and quality of life. This case highlights CO2 laser therapy's effectiveness in treating ECD-related skin lesions, suggesting it can be a valuable option for patients.

Why might carbon dioxide laser therapy be considered an effective treatment?

CO2 laser therapy is considered an effective option due to several key factors. The CO2 lasers can precisely target the affected skin tissue, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy areas, which reduces the risk of complications. The procedure is minimally invasive, leading to less scarring. Furthermore, noticeable improvements can be achieved in just a few treatment sessions. In the setting of Erdheim-Chester disease, this offers a practical and efficient method to address the troublesome skin lesions associated with the condition, improving the patient's appearance and potentially boosting their self-esteem.

What does the future of treatment look like for people with this condition?

The future of managing Erdheim-Chester disease involves a multifaceted approach. Systemic treatments like interferon-alpha, anakinra, and vemurafenib address the underlying immune dysfunction. CO2 laser therapy specifically targets skin lesions, improving the quality of life for patients experiencing these manifestations. The significance of combining these approaches is that systemic treatments manage the core disease, while CO2 laser therapy provides localized relief from distressing symptoms. A combined approach has the potential to provide comprehensive care.