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 treatment 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.