Treatment of Nevus of Ota by Q-Switched Ruby Laser

The effectiveness of the Q-switched ruby laser was investigated in 38 patients with nevus of Ota at more than 10 months after the first irradiation. In 14 patients who were followed-up for a mean of 25.2 months after the first treatment, the effectiveness was evaluated as ``excellent' in eight patients (57%), ``good' in four patients (28%), and ``fair' in two patients (14%). The mean number of irradiation treatments was 7.3 in the ``excellent' group, 4.2 in the ``good' group, and 3.0 in the ``fair' group. In 24 patients who were followed-up for a mean of 13.6 months after the first treatment, the effectiveness was evaluated as ``excellent' in eight patients (33%), ``good' in 12 patients (50%), and ``fair' in four patients (16%). The mean number of irradiation treatments was 5.7 in the ``excellent' group, 5.2 in the ``good' group, and 2.5 in the ``fair' group. Even after repetitive irradiations, good results without scarring were noted in all cases except one where a slight inverted scar was developed. The effective rate tended to be higher in patients who underwent more irradiation treatments and were observed for a longer period of time. Satisfactory cosmetic results were achieved after Q-switched ruby laser therapy for nevus of Ota.