Q‐Switched Ruby Laser Therapy of Acquired Bilateral Nevus of Ota‐like Macules

Background. Acquired bilateral nevus of Ota‐like macules (ABNLM), also called nevus fuscoceruleus zygomaticus or nevus of Hori, is a relatively common disease in Asia. It is refractory to all medical treatment. Objective. To present the first report on the use of Q‐switched ruby laser to treat ABNLM. Methods. One hundred and forty female patients, ages 19–62 years (mean 39 years), were included in the study. The laser fluence employed was 7–10 J/cm2, at a repetition rate of 1 Hz, and with a spot size of 2–4 mm. The number of treatment sessions ranged from 1 to 6 (mean 2.3). Results. Nine patients were lost to follow‐up before complete clearance of the lesions, while in the remaining 131 patients complete clearance was obtained. The only complication was a long‐term hypopigmentation, observed in three patients. There was no recurrence at 6 months– 4.3 years (mean 2.5 years) of follow‐up. Conclusion. Q‐switched ruby laser is an effective and less invasive tool to eradicate ABNLM.