title: Nevus of Ota: clinical aspects and management.
abstract: Nevus of Ota, or nevus fuscoceruleus ophthalmomaxillaris, is a dermal melanocytic hamartoma that presents as bluish hyperpigmentation along the first or second branches of the trigeminal nerve. Extra-cutaneous involvement has been reported, especially ocular involvement. Nevus of Ota affects between 0.014%-0.034% of the Asian population. Clinical differential diagnoses include facial cafe-au-lait patch, spilus nevus, and acquired bilateral nevus of Ota-like macules. Previous treatment modalities, including cryotherapy and microsurgery, can be associated with scarring. In the last decade, the use of Q-switched lasers has revolutionized the treatment of this condition. This review summarizes the clinical, histologic, and management aspects of this dermal melanocytic hamartoma.
authors.affiliation: The Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Room 802 Administration Building, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, PR China. hhlchan@hkucc.hku.hk
authors.forename: Henry H L
authors.initials: HH
authors.lastname: Chan
authors.forename: Taro
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kono
mesh_terms: D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005145:Face; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D009507:Nevus of Ota / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D012880:Skin Pigmentation