title: A randomized control study of the prevention of hyperpigmentation post Q-switched Nd:YAG laser treatment of Hori nevus using topical fucidic acid plus betamethasone valerate cream versus fucidic acid cream.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) after laser treatment of Hori nevus remains problematic. Prevention and treatment of PIH have limited success.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To study the effects on hyperpigmentation using topical antibiotic alone versus combined antibiotic and betamethasone/valerate after 1064 nm Q-switched Nd:YAG laser treatment of Hori nevus.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-five cases of Hori nevus treated with Q-switched Nd:YAG laser randomly applied topical fucidic acid (control group) or fucidic acid plus betamethasone/valerate (study group) on assigned cheek immediately post laser for 2 weeks. Pigmentation was measured using the mexameter as melanin index (MI) and erythema index (EI), at baseline, 2nd and 4th weeks. Photographic evaluation and patient global assessment were done at the 4th week.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Twenty-three cases completed the study. No patient developed side effect from either creams. The comparison of M and E-indexes of the control versus the study group revealed no significant difference. However, there was a uniform increase of M index of the control group compared to the study group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Applying topical corticosteroid immediately after laser treatment decreased pigmentation. Although not statistically significant, there was a tendency for lightening. Future studies are needed with more patients, duration of follow-ups and histological studies to assess pigmentary changes.
authors.affiliation: Dermatology, Phramongkutklao Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand.
authors.forename: Thanatsuda
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Uaboonkul
authors.forename: Artit
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Nakakes
authors.forename: Pinyapat Kanechorn Na
authors.initials: PK
authors.lastname: Ayuthaya
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001623:Betamethasone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005260:Female; D005672:Fusidic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D017495:Hyperpigmentation / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D053844:Lasers, Solid-State / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009507:Nevus of Ota / Q000601:surgery*; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D004338:Drug Combinations; C524642:Fucicort; D005672:Fusidic Acid; D001623:Betamethasone