Fractional Laser as Treatment Option for Various Pigment Disorders

Ablative Fractional Laser Therapy as Treatment for Becker's Nevus; a Pilot Study

The purpose of this study is to determine whether the use of ablative fractional laser is effective in the treatment of Becker's nevus.

Becker's nevus (BN) is an uncommon pigment disorder of the epidermis characterized by increased pigmentation, a slightly elevated, verrucous surface of the affected skin and sometimes hyperpigmentation. No effective treatment is available. Several laser modalities have been applied in the treatment of Becker's nevus in uncontrolled studies with varying results. Recently, fractional laser therapy was suggested as treatment option for Becker's nevus. In fractional laser therapy, microscopic columns of skin are coagulated or ablated, leaving the surrounding tissue intact, which enhances healing of the treated skin. In this study, the efficacy and safety of ablative fractional laser therapy was assessed in the treatment of Becker's nevus.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Becker nevus
• Subjects attending the outpatient department of the Netherlands Institute for Pigment Disorders
• Age at least 18 years
• Subject is willing and able to give written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• use of bleaching creams during the past six weeks
• history of keloid
• active eczema
• suspected hypersensitivity to lidocaine or triple therapy
• use of isotretinoin in the past six months
• high exposure of the lesion to sunlight or UV light (UVA or UVB).