Treatment of OTA'sNeves and Acquired Bilateral Nevus of OTA-like Macule(abnom)with Q-switched Alexandrite Laser

ABSTRACT

The nevus of Ota is a benign dermal melanocytic lesion that most commonly occurs unilaterally in areas innervated by the first and second division of the trigeminal nerve. Acquired bilateral nevus of Ota-like macules(ABNOM) are located bilaterally on the forehead, temples, eyelids, cheeks, and/or nose. They usually occur in the fourth or fifth decade of life in women(rarely in men). In contrast to the nevus of Ota, ABNOM have not been observed in the mucous membranes of the oral cavity, nose, or eyes. Traditional treatments were palliative, risky electrocautery, or cryotherapy. These methods resulted in permanent pigmentary changes and/or scarring. Recently utilizing the principle of selective photothermolysis, the Q-switched Alexandrite laser has been reported to be successful in treating benign pigmentary lesions and tattoos. Our study evaluated the treatment of 127 patients with nevus of Ota and ABNOM with the Q-switched Alexandrite laser(755 nm, 100 nsec). Nevi were treated up to 7 times with 7-8 J/cm2 at a minimum of 6 weeks interval. Good therapeutic effects were gained (up to 50% improvement was seen in 89% of patients.) and our patients were very satisfied. No patients had permanent textural change or scarring. Treatment with on Alexandrite laser for nevus of Ota & ABNOM is considered to be a safe and effective method.