The successful employment of a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser in the eradication of localized chromomycosis is described. A review of alternative medical and surgical modalities used in treating this disorder is presented. The potential benefits of CO2 laser vs. cold steel surgery are discussed.

A 33-year-old man in otherwise good health presented with a pruritic rash on his trunk and face of 3 months' duration. The lesions developed rapidly over 2 weeks. Subsequently, no lesions resolved, nor did new lesions appear. Various over-the-counter lotions, as well as topical and oral corticosteroids, topical antifungal agents, and topical retinoids failed to affect the appearance of the eruption or the associated intense pruritus.Physical examination disclosed numerous slightly oval, flesh-colored to slightly hyperpigmented, flattopped papules concentrated on the chest, but also scattered over the face and back (Figs 1 and 2). A punch biopsy specimen of a papule is shown in Figs 3 and 4.