Hyaluronidase Via Laser-Assisted Drug Delivery for the Treatment of Scleroderma-induced Microstomia

In this study, the investigator will combine two treatment modalities, ablative carbon dioxide (CO2) laser, and intradermal hyaluronidase, via laser-assisted drug delivery. The goal is to maximize the therapeutic potential of each of these interventions by combining them. Laser-assisted drug delivery (LADD) has been shown to be an effective modality for the administration of medications in diverse cutaneous diseases but has not been previously reported for the treatment of scleroderma-induced microstomia. By using an ablative fractional CO2 laser, the investigator can facilitate both the intradermal administration of hyaluronidase and the therapeutic benefit of the laser treatment itself. LADD of hyaluronidase has the additional advantage of being less painful and likely better tolerated than intradermal hyaluronidase injections, which typically require painful infraorbital and mental nerve blocks. The goal is to provide participants with a novel, effective, and less painful option for the treatment of scleroderma-induced microstomia, leading to greater mouth mobility for mastication and phonation as well as improved oral hygiene, self-esteem, and overall quality of life.

Ten participants with scleroderma-induced microstomia will be selected primarily from the scleroderma patient population at University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) Dermatology as well as from a local non-profit scleroderma support group. Each participant will undergo three separate laser sessions. On each occasion, investigators will treat the perioral area with 200 units of hyaluronidase, administered via LADD using an ablative fractional CO2 laser. These appointments will be scheduled at 4 to 8-week intervals, depending on the participant's tolerance to laser therapy and availability. Participants will also complete a non-procedural follow-up visit three months after the last laser session to evaluate for a sustained response.