Features of the post-procedural period after ablative fractional CO2-laser resurfacing in patients with atopic dermatitis

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DOI: 10.22138/2500-0918-2026-23-3-326-335

Yu.A. Valko-Zavodova¹,², O.G. Elisyutina¹,²

1Patrice Lumumba Peoples' Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), Moscow, Russian Federation;
2OOO «Medicine AlfaStrakhovanie», Moscow, Russian Federation;
3National Research Center ─ Institute of Immunology, Federal Medical-Biological Agency of Russia, Moscow, Russian Federation

Abstract

With the growing popularity of laser procedures, an increase in the incidence of serious complications has been observed – long-term erythema, persistent dyschromia, scarring, and inflammatory reactions. The method of ablative fractional CO2-laser resurfacing is based on controlled thermal injury, which inevitably results in temporary disruption of the skin barrier and requires high regenerative activity. In patients with atopic dermatitis (AD), who are initially characterized by reduced reparative potential, such interventions are associated with particular risks. Despite this, the pathogenetic mechanisms predisposing to the development of post-laser complications in this category of patients remain insufficiently explored. The aim of the study is to analyze retrospective clinical cases and assess the incidence and pattern of post-laser complications following ablative fractional CO2-laser facial resurfacing in patients with AD. Materials and methods. A single-center, observational, retrospective study was conducted between 2024 and 2025. 50 female patients aged 18 to 65 years (mean age 40.0б╠10.6 years) with a diagnosis of atopic dermatitis in remission or controlled exacerbation were observed. Most patients had Fitzpatrick skin phototype IIБ─⌠III (n=45), phototype I (n=5), who underwent ablative fractional CO2-laser resurfacing. Dynamic observation was carried out in two stages: the early post-procedural period (the first 3 weeks) and the late post-procedural period (up to and including 3 months), during which clinical and anamnestic analysis was performed. Data on the severity of atopic dermatitis were assessed using the Scoring of Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD). Baseline SCORAD scores (before treatment) were 13.17б╠1.36. Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive statistical methods with StatTech software, version 4.14.3 (developed by StatTech LLC, Russia). Results. Thirty-six patients (72%) experienced persistent, long-term erythema, eight patients (16%) experienced transient dyschromia in the form of hyperpigmentation, five patients (10%) experienced an exacerbation of herpes simplex virus infection, and one patient (2%) experienced local bacterial infections. No exacerbation of atopic dermatitis was observed. Conclusions. In patients with atopic dermatitis, laser exposure induces the development of a persistent hypersensitive skin condition, clinically manifested by a range of adverse events. The most common complication was postoperative prolonged erythema. The duration of this symptom constantly exceeded the typical timeframe for restoration. These findings suggest that the course of the vascular component of inflammation is independent of epidermal repair process, highlighting the need for further investigation into the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon.

Keywords: laser resurfacing, fractional photothermolysis, atopic dermatitis, complications, post-laser erythema, skin hyperreactivity

The authors declare no actual or potential conflicts of interest related to the publication of this article.

Contact information of the author responsible for correspondence

Yuliia A. Valko-Zavodova
valko_yulya@mail.ru
Received 30.07.2026

For citation

Y.A. Valko-Zavodova, O.G. Elisyutina. Features of the post-procedural period after ablative fractional COБ┌┌-laser resurfacing in patients with atopic dermatitis. Vestn. Ural. Med. Akad. Nauki. = Journal of Ural Medical Academic Science. 2026, Vol. 23, no. 3, pp. 326-335. DOI: 10.22138/2500-0918-2026-23-3-326-335 (In Russ)

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Authors

Yulia A. Valko-Zavodova
Medical Institute, Peoples' Friendship University of Russia named after Patrice Lumumba (RUDN University)
Applicant for Academic Degree, Department of Immunology
valko_yulya@mail.ru
ORCID ID: 0009-0008-2074-3852
Moscow, Russian Federation

Olga G. Elisyutina
Medical Institute, Patrice Lumumba Peoples' Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University)
Doctor of Medical Sciences, Head of the Department of Immunology
National Research Center Б─⌠ Institute of Immunology, Federal Medical-Biological Agency of Russia
Leading Researcher, Department of Allergology and Skin Immunopathology
el-olga@yandex.ru
ORCID ID: 0000-0002-4609-2591
Moscow, Russian Federation

 
 
 
 

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