Development of Multiple Warts After Skin Resurfacing with CO2 Laser

BACKGROUND: Skin resurfacing with CO2 laser is a common surgical procedure to improve photodamaged skin. Many complications may occur after this procedure, however, common warts is relatively rare. OBJECTIVE: To report a case of multiple warts after CO2 laser resurfacing and discuss the complete involution of these lesions. METHODS: A 78-year-old woman with multiple warts after CO2 laser resurfacing is described. RESULTS: The patient developed multiple common warts on the face after resurfacing with CO2 laser. Retinoic acid was introduced and complete involution of the lesions was observed after 5 days with no scars. CONCLUSION: Although emphasis is placed on the hazards of the laser plume to the medical staff, one should be aware of this complication. We believe that the regression of the lesions was spontaneous rather than induced by the retinoic acid.