Treatment of acquired bilateral nevus of ota-like macules (Hori's nevus) with a combination of the 532 nm Q-Switched Nd:YAG laser followed by the 1,064 nm Q-switched Nd:YAG is more effective: prospective study.
BACKGROUND
Acquired bilateral nevus of Ota-like macules (Hori's nevus) is a common dyschromatosis among Asian women. Q-switched lasers have been used successfully as a treatment modality.


OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of using the Q-switched 532 nm neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser followed by the 1,064 nm laser versus the Q-switched 1,064 nm Nd:YAG laser alone in the treatment of Hori's nevus.


METHODS
This is a prospective left-right comparative study. Ten women with bilateral Hori's nevus were recruited and treated with a combination of the Q-switched 532 and 1,064 nm Nd:YAG lasers on the right cheek and the Q-switched 1,064 nm Nd:YAG laser alone on the left cheek. Only one laser treatment session was performed. The degree of pigmentation was objectively recorded with a mexameter. Subjective assessment was made by both patients and two blinded, nontreating dermatologists.


RESULTS
At 6 months, there was a statistically significant difference (p = .009) of 35.10 points using objective mexameter measurements between the two sides, favoring the side treated with a combination of 532 and 1,064 nm laser treatment. Subjective grading by the patients and blinded dermatologists also confirmed that combination therapy was more successful after one treatment. Although combination treatment had a higher incidence of mild postinflammatory changes, this disappeared within 2 months.


CONCLUSIONS
Concurrent use of the Q-switched 532 nm Nd:YAG laser in combination with the 1,064 nm laser is more effective in pigment clearance than the Q-switched 1,064 nm Nd:YAG laser alone for Hori's nevi.
Ee
Hock Leong
HL
National Skin Center, Republic of Singapore, Singapore.
Goh
Chee Leok
CL
Khoo
Lawrence Shih Wee
LS
Chan
E S-Y
ES
Ang
Por
P
D000328:Adult; D005153:Facial Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D028022:Low-Level Light Therapy; D008875:Middle Aged; D009507:Nevus of Ota / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome