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  • Title: Treatment of nevus of Ota by Q-switched ruby laser.
    Author: Taylor CR, Flotte TJ, Gange RW, Anderson RR.
    Journal: J Am Acad Dermatol; 1994 May; 30(5 Pt 1):743-51. PubMed ID: 8176014.
    Abstract:
    BACKGROUND: There are few reports on therapy for nevus of Ota. Moreover, traditional treatments are largely palliative or risk permanent pigmentary changes and/or scarring. OBJECTIVE: The efficacy of the Q-switched ruby laser (694 nm, 40 nsec) as a therapy for nevus of Ota was investigated. METHODS: Nine nevi or portions thereof were irradiated up to six times with 4.5 and/or 7.5 J/cm2 at a mean exposure interval of 3 weeks. Sequential skin biopsy specimens were processed for light microscopy, immunohistochemistry, and electron microscopy. RESULTS: Cosmetic improvement occurred at both doses in the irradiated parts of the six nevi available for follow-up. No appreciable difference was noted between single and multiple treatments. There was no gross scarring. Light microscopy revealed dose-related immediate injury with more melanophages and fewer dermal melanocytes after irradiation in comparison with control areas. Electron microscopic distinction between dermal melanocytes and melanin-laden macrophages was difficult. A monoclonal antibody to human melanosome-specific antigen type 1 (HMSA-1) was used to distinguish between the two cell populations. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that the Q-switched ruby laser is useful for treating nevus of Ota.
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