Dermoscopic evaluation of melanocytic nevi changes after photo‐epilation techniques: a prospective study

Abstract

Background The clinical and dermoscopic changes of melanocytic nevi under the effects of photo‐epilation are poorly known. Objective Prospective study on clinical and dermatoscopic effects of photoe‐pilation on melanocytic nevi. Methods Eighteen patients exposed to photo‐epilation gave consent to a follow‐up programme from 2008 to 2017 at the Videodermatoscopic Office of the Dermatology Clinic of Cagliari (Italy), with clinical and dermoscopic assessment. Results A mean 2‐year follow‐up was recorded for 73 lesions. The most frequent clinical change was nevi colour, clearer than basal pictures, sometimes with increased pigmentation at the periphery, or residual islands of pigmentation, with vanishing borders. Acute burn with crusting was noted in few cases. Only one case showed progressive growth. Corresponding dermoscopic findings were bleaching of nevi, followed by pigment network disruption, appearance of white structureless areas and grey–blue globules. Complete regression occurred in 32.8% of the lesions. The growing nevus was characterized by peripheral globules. Excision for histopathological examination showed a compound nevus with mild atypia. Conclusions Although malignant modifications of nevi after photo‐epilation have not been described, the clinical and dermoscopic changes we observed suggest to extend the follow for more than 24 months, as the potential long‐term adverse effects of photo‐epilation on melanocytic nevi are unknown.

Dermoscopic changes in melanocytic nevi following hair removal laser: A prospective study

“…These findings are in consistent with the study of Guicciardi et al that reported any degree of pigment network change in 79% of cases. 13 Additionally, in the present study, we observed that nevi became lighter in 43.9% and darker in 19.7% of cases. Guicciardi et al reported loss of pigmentation in 82% of nevi but also an increase in pigmentation at the periphery with central light brown background in most of the cases.…”

Management and prevention of laser complications in aesthetic medicine: An analysis of the etiological factors

“…Only one case showed progressive growth 23 . The authors noted that although malignant nevus modifications after photoepilation have not been described, the potential long‐term side effects of photoepilation on melanocytic nevi remain unknown 23 Unintentional exposure of the tattoo pigment to the beam during laser treatment can also cause complications. …”

“… Unintentional effects of laser radiation on skin pigmented lesions (melanocytic nevi, tattoo pigment): Guicciardi et al published the prospective study on clinical and dermatoscopic effects of photoepilation on melanocytic nevi 23 . The most frequently reported clinical change was the color of the nevus, which was sharper than the main images, sometimes with increased pigmentation at the periphery or residual patches of pigmentation with disappearing borders.…”

“…Acute crusty burns have been reported in several cases. Only one case showed progressive growth 23 . The authors noted that although malignant nevus modifications after photoepilation have not been described, the potential long‐term side effects of photoepilation on melanocytic nevi remain unknown 23 …”

Dermatoscopic evaluation of melanocytic nevi under laser therapy

“…In order to study the morphological changes of MN treated with Nd:YAG laser or IPL for photo‐epilation, Guicciardi et al . described dermatoscopic changes of the appearance (73 MN in 18 patients with a mean 2‐year follow‐up) in this issue.…”