QYAG5 Q-switched Nd:YAG Laser Treatment of Nevus of Ota: An Indian Study of 50 Patients

BACKGROUND: Nevus of Ota is very common in Asian patients. The condition is more common in females, with a male-female ratio of 1:4.8. Most patients seek treatment early in life due to the psychological trauma and cosmetic disfigurement. The Q-switched lasers have changed the way we approach the condition and have become the mainstay of therapy. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To evaluate long-term safety and efficacy of pigmented lesion laser Palomar QYAG5 Q-switched Nd:YAG in 50 Indian patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty patients of nevus of Ota underwent multiple treatments (average 6 sessions) carried out over a period of 1year with a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser (QYAG5, Palomar, USA). Of the 50 patients, 2 were males; and the rest, females. Five patients had a bilateral involvement. Skin types treated included phototypes 4 and 5. The response after subsequent treatments was documented through serial photographs that were taken before and after the completion of treatments. Patients were followed up for a period of 1 year after the last session. Response to treatment was graded based on physician’s global assessment. RESULTS: Excellent improvement was noted in a majority of the patients at the end of the treatments. Greater-than-60% improvement was seen in 66% of the patients. The remaining patients had moderate clearing of pigmentation (30%-60% improvement). No significant adverse effects were seen immediately after the treatments and on long-term follow-up. Transient post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation was observed in 5 (10%) patients, which cleared with use of sunscreens and bleaching agents within 2 months. No textural change or scarring was seen. Hypopigmentation (guttate type) was observed in 1 (2%) patient, which resolved within 3 months. No recurrence was observed after 1 year of follow-up. CONCLUSION: This study validates the superior efficacy of Q-switched Nd:YAG laser when compared to conventional methods for treatment of nevus of Ota.