Treatment of nevus spilus with the Q-switched ruby laser

BACKGROUND. Q-switched lasers have shown to be effective in the removal of unwanted cutaneous pigmentation. Benign cutaneous pigmented lesions represent a heterogeneous group. Nevus spilus is a relatively uncommon pigmented lesion characterized by dark, hyperpigmented clots scattered over a tan-colored macule. OBJECTIVE. A cohort of patients with nevus spilus was studied to determine the effects of R-switched ruby and R-switched Nd:YAG laser treatment an clearance of pigment and to evaluate potential side effects. METHODS. Six patients with nevus spilus were treated with the Q-switched ruby laser (QSR). In addition, three lesions received a test treatment with the Q-switched Nd:YAG (QSYAG) laser at 532 or 1064 nm. The results of treatment were documented during follow up visits. RESULTS. Most lesions showed a near-complete or complete response to laser treatment. In one case partial hyperpigmentation occurred after treatment and in one case no follow-up could be obtained. In the three cases that received both QSR and QSYAG laser treatment, the QSR laser was shown to be the most effective in removing pigment. CONCLUSION. Nevus spilus can be treated effectively with the Q-switched ruby laser. (C) 1997 by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Inc.