High-fluence 1064nm Q-switched Nd:YAG laser treatment for ectopic Mongolian spot

Abstract

Q-switched neodymium-yttrium aluminum-garnet (Q-switched Nd:YAG) laser has been reported as an effective treatment for nevus of Ota and acquired bilateral nevus of Ota-like macules (ABNOM). Data on ectopic Mongolian spots have rarely been reported.

The present study was performed to investigate the treatment efficacy of a high-fluence 1064 nm Q-switched Nd:YAG laser without tissue whitening in ectopic Mongolian spots.

We included 61 patients with ectopic Mongolian spots, and 70 lesions were examined. Thirty-three lesions were treated with a high-fluence 1064 nm Q-switched Nd:YAG laser, and 38 lesions were observed without treatment. The results were assessed using a 5-quantile grading scale and melanin index using a Mexameter®.

Mean follow-up duration was 14.1 ± 6.8 months for the treatment group and 17.8 ± 10.0 months for the observation group. Mean 5-quintile grading scale at final follow-up was statistically different (p < 0.001) between the two groups (treatment: 2.85 ± 1.00, observation: 0.49 ± 0.73). There was a significant difference (p < 0.001) in the Δ melanin index (initial melanin index – final melanin index) between the observation (7.1 ± 62.7) and treatment (156.7 ± 78.4) groups.

High-fluence Q-switched Nd:YAG laser without tissue whitening showed good results and was well-tolerated in treating ectopic Mongolian spots.

Keywords:

• Dermal melanocytosis
• ectopic mongolian spot
• Q-switched Nd:YAG laser
• treatment

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea(NRF) grant funded by the Korea government(MSIT) (No. 2022R1A2C1091031.