Fractional Carbon Dioxide Laser is Effective in Amelioration of Pruritus in Primary Cutaneous Amyloidosis: A Clinical and Biochemical Study

Background and Objectives Primary cutaneous amyloidosis (PCA) is a pruritic disease characterized by amyloid deposition in the skin. Interleukin‐31 (IL‐31) is a pruritus‐mediating cytokine. Fractional carbon dioxide (CO2) laser has shown efficacy in the treatment of PCA regarding the clinical appearance, histological pattern, and pruritus. The aim of this study is to assess the effect of fractional CO2 laser on pruritus associated with PCA, and analyze whether this effect is related to IL‐31 and IL‐31 receptor (R) expression. Study Design/Materials and Methods The study included 24 patients with PCA and 24 healthy controls. Each patient received four fractional CO2 laser sessions, 4 weeks apart, using the superficial ablative mode. Skin biopsies were taken from patients before and after treatment, as well as controls, for assessment of IL‐31 and IL‐31R by real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Results Treatment resulted in significant improvement of all clinical parameters, including pruritus (P