The efficacy of intense pulsed light for Becker's nevus: A retrospective analysis of 45 cases

Abstract

Background Becker's nevus is a common skin disorder. Lasers and light instruments are the major modalities for the treatment of Becker's nevus, but the outcomes were mixed. Objective To evaluate the efficacy of the intense pulsed light for Becker's nevus in a large Chinese cohort. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the efficacy of the intense pulsed light for Becker's nevus in a single center. Results A total of 45 patients, including 26 males and 19 females (male to female ratio = 1.4), aged 5‐42 years, were included in this analysis. Twenty‐seven patients (60%) were with hypertrichosis. Treatments with intense pulsed light resulted in over 75% improvements in pigmentation and hair density in 1 and 2 cases, respectively. One patient displayed 51%‐75% reductions in hair density. The rest displayed ≤50% improvements in pigmentation and hair density. Recurrence occurred in all cases within 6 months after the last treatment. Adverse reactions were temporary and mild hypopigmentation, hyperpigmentation, hypertrophic scar, pain, and erythema. Conclusion Intense pulsed light does not exhibit long‐term benefits for Becker's nevus. Further studies in the large cohort are still required to validate the present results. Moreover, whether changes in the treatment parameters can improve the efficacy of intense pulsed light remains to be explored.

An update on Becker's nevus: Pathogenesis and treatment

“…45 These results suggested that the IPL does not markedly improve BN. 45 However, an opposite viewpoint has been proposed in other studies. Wu treated 24 patients with an IPL at fluence of 18-22 J/cm 2 , peak wavelength: 590 nm, pulse 3-10 ms for mean 5 ± 2.17 treatment sessions at 3-month intervals, and the mean improvement was 51%-75% without any significant recurrence at ≥6 months follow-up.…”

“…Intense pulsed light (IPL) systems are flash lamps emitting noncoherent light, with a spectrum ranging from 515 to 1200 nm 44 . In a retrospective study, the majority of the 45 patients experienced ≤50% improvement in hair density and pigmentation after the last IPL treatment (fluence of 13–20 J/cm 2 , wavelength: 560 or 590 nm, pulse 5–10 ms, 2–3 pulses for pigmentation, and fluence 35–40 J/cm 2 , wavelength: 615 or 695 nm, pulse 5–10 ms for hypertrichosis, for 1–5 sessions at 4–8 week intervals), but all cases recurred within the 6 months follow‐up 45 . These results suggested that the IPL does not markedly improve BN 45 .…”

The Emerging Role of Visible Light in Melanocyte Biology and Skin Pigmentary Disorders: Friend or Foe?

“…IPL has been proven effective in treating lentigines, ephelides, poikiloderma of Civatte and other epidermal hyperpigmentation, as well as benign melanocytic nevi such as Becker's nevus [98,[142][143][144][145][146][147]. However, it should be noted that the Q-switched laser still remains the preferred choice in light therapy for treating benign pigmented lesions.…”

Comparison between the use of intense pulsed light and Q‐switched neodymium‐doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser for the treatment of axillary hyperpigmentation

“…IPL, which is a broad spectrum of light, can target various chromophores in the skin, including melanin and hemoglobin. It has been shown to improve various pigmented lesions, especially epidermal pigmentation 9‐14 . Although there is no evidence‐based information supporting the use of IPL on the axillary area, there are several existing studies that have used IPL as a treatment for pigmented lesions, especially on the facial area 10‐15 .…”