Normal-mode ruby laser for treating congenital nevi
S. Ueda and S. Imayama
Ueda-Setsuko Dermatology Clinic, Fukuoka, Japan.
BACKGROUND: Q-switched laser therapy is known to be highly effective in
treating dermal melanocytosis and pigmented epidermal lesions. However, to
our knowledge, there are no reports on the effectiveness of laser therapy
for congenital nevi. We evaluated the clinical efficacy and side effects of
normal-mode ruby laser therapy for congenital pigmented lesions containing
abundant melanin. OBSERVATIONS: A normal-mode ruby laser (pulse duration,
0.3-1.0 x 10(-3) seconds; energy fluence, 10-30 J/cm2; and spot size, 10 x
10 or 15 x 15 mm) (Toshiba Corp, Tokyo, Japan) was used to treat 3 patients
with congenital nevi at intervals of 1 to 4 months. In all 3 cases, the
pigmented lesions were significantly reduced almost to the level of the
surrounding normal skin after 4 laser treatments. The treated areas were
virtually free of scarring, and the skin texture resembled that of the
surrounding normal skin. Unsightly hair growth was also reduced.
CONCLUSIONS: The normal-mode ruby laser was effective in treating
congenital nevi and produced good cosmetic results. The risk of recurrence
is unknown, but the 3 patients in our study did not have any recurrences
during the 18- to 39-month study period.
