A retrospective study looking at the long‐term complications of Q‐switched Ruby laser in the treatment of nevus of Ota

Abstract

QS Ruby laser is effective in the treatment of nevus of Ota. Recurrence is rare, but hypopigmentation is common and can be permanent. Further prospective study comparing its use with other Q-switched lasers is necessary.

Treatment of Congenital Melanocytic Nevi Using the Combined (Normal-Mode Plus Q-Switched) Ruby Laser in Asians

“…High melanin content of Asians' skin leads to a greater risk of complication in comparison to Caucasians. 18 To avoid hypopigmentation, an energy fluence of less than 7 J/cm 2 should be used in dark-skinned Asian patients. However, use of lower fluences to reduce the risk of adverse effects may result in decreased clinical efficacy.…”

Adverse events associated with nonablative cutaneous visible and infrared laser treatment

“…15 The use of bleaching agents may disguise true rates of hyperpigmentation: a team studying of the use of a Q-switched ruby laser for treatment of nevi of Ota suggest that their hyperpigmentation rate of 5.9% may have been artificially lowered by hydroquinone use. 12 In a recent study of the use of the Q-switched alexandrite laser to treat congenital melanocytic nevi, Kim and Kang 10 reported a 28.3% rate of hyperpigmentation 48 weeks after treatment. In some of the treatment sites, the hyperpigmentation was present for more than 2 months.…”

“…However, pigmentary changes may not become evident until months after treatment, 9 can endure for several months, 1,10-12 and, in the case of hypopigmentation, may sometimes be permanent. 1,12 Hyperpigmentation…”

“…5,15 Posttreatment hyperpigmentation is often treated with topical applications containing bleaching agents such as hydroquinone. 11,12,15 SUMMARY The use of nonablative laser treatments in dermatology is steadily increasing in popularity, and they are used in an increasingly wide range of indications. Although these treatments are largely considered safe, adverse events are a reality.…”

Comparison study of a Q‐switched alexandrite laser delivered with versus without compression in the treatment of dermal pigmented lesions

“…The Q-switched ruby and alexandrite lasers are highly effective in the treatment of dermal pigmented lesions, but in dark-skinned patients such as Asians the risk of complications such as erythema, blistering and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation are increased (6,7). A previous study that compared the response of lentigines in Asian skin using Q-switched versus long-pulsed green lasers at 532 nm found that postinflammatory hyperpigmentation was less when using longer pulses (8,9).…”