Picosecond alexandrite laser treatment of nevus of Ota in children

Background: The picosecond alexandrite laser has been safely and effectively used to treat the nevus of Ota in adults. However, limited data are available for children. Objective: To investigate the efficacy, safety, and correlative influencing factors of a 755nm picosecond alexandrite laser in the treatment of nevus of Ota in children. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed Chinese children with nevus of Ota who received a 755nm picosecond alexandrite laser treatment in a tertiary dermatological hospital. Result: A total of 305 pediatric patients received an average of two treatments achieving an average of 79% pigment clearance. After the first treatment, 22 patients achieved complete clearance (95%-100%), and 72 patients achieved excellent response (75%-94%), with an average initial efficacy of 63% lesion clearance. Treatment at an early age achieved better initial efficacy (0- to 12-month group >1- to 6-year group, 6- to 12-year group). And 0- to 12-month group achieved better final efficacy. More treatment sessions also increased the final efficacy. Both initial efficacy and final efficacy were better when treating a darker lesion. The incidence of complications was 12.1%, with 10.8% being post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and 1.3% being hypopigmentation. The rate of recurrence was 6.6%. Limitation: Retrospective study. Conclusion: A 755nm picosecond alexandrite laser is safe and effective in treating nevus of Ota in children. Younger to initiate treatment, darker lesions, and more treatments are positively associated with better pigmentation clearance.