title: [Treating papillomatous intradermal nevi: lasers - yes or no? A prospective study].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Papillomatous intradermal nevi are common acquired melanocytic nevi. Although harmless, they can be - especially on the face - cosmetically disturbing. At selected sites on the trunk, they may be traumatized by clothing, so that patients often wish to have them removed with a low likelihood of recurrence.
  
  
  METHODS
  In a prospective study with 90 (female symbol=77, male symbol=13) patients aged between 13 and 67 years, 130 intradermal nevi (female symbol=114, male symbol=16) were removed using a combined therapy with CO(2), erbium: YAG and ruby lasers.
  
  
  RESULTS
  After therapy, 2.3% of intradermal nevi recurred as a pigmented macule, while 6.9% reappeared as a papule or nodule (volume recurrence). 88% of the patients were very satisfied with the result; 11%, satisfied; and 1%, not satisfied. 99% would undergo the therapy again.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The combined laser method (CO(2), erbium: YAG and ruby lasers) for the treatment of intradermal nevi produces excellent cosmetic results, is easily performed, leads to high patient satisfaction and is safe if correctly applied.
authors.affiliation: Laserklinik Karlsruhe, Karlsruhe.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hammes
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Raulin
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Karsai
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Bernt
authors.forename: H M
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Ockenfels
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D028022:Low-Level Light Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008548:Melanosis / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009508:Nevus, Pigmented / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D010212:Papilloma / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome