Linear verrucous epidermal nevi—effects of carbon dioxide laser therapy

Abstract

Linear epidermal nevus is a congenital malformation characterized by linear, often one-sided arrangement. The lesions are localized along the Blaschko's lines, are present at birth, or appear in early childhood. They can be single or multiple, and have various colors–from skin color to dark brown. These lesions persist through the whole life making a significant cosmetic defect. Here, we present three clinical cases of epidermal nevus treated with CO₂ laser. In a female patient, verrucous, dark brown skin eruptions were observed at the back of earlobe and down the neck. In the cases of the male patients, the lesions were located in the area of the neck and left blade. The removal of nevi was performed in stages, by cutting and evaporation using a CO₂ laser. A very good therapeutic effect was obtained. CO₂ laser treatment is the method of choice for the removal of extensive epidermal nevi. It is characterized by high efficacy and safety.

KEYWORDS:

• Laser CO₂
• linear
• nevi
• treatment

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the report.