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 dots scattered over a tan-colored macule.

Objective: A cohort of patients with nevus spilus was studied to determine the effects of Q-switched ruby and Q-switched Nd:YAG laser treatment on 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.

Conclusions: Nevus spilus can be treated effectively with the Q-switched ruby laser.