Intense Pulsed Light Alone and in Combination with Erbium Yttrium-Aluminum-Garnet Laser on Small-to-Medium Sized Congenital Melanocytic Nevi: Single Center Experience Based on Retrospective Chart Review

BACKGROUND Treatment of congenital melanocytic nevi (CMN) with intense pulsed light (IPL) has recently produced promising results. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the clinical and histological outcomes of small-to-medium sized CMN treated with IPL alone and in combination with erbium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Er: YAG) laser. METHODS We performed a retrospective chart review of 26 small-to-medium sized CMN treated as described above. The reduction in visible pigmentation, signs of recurrence and any adverse skin changes were evaluated by two independent clinicians. RESULTS Seventeen patients completed treatment and were followed-up. Nine were not able to complete treatment due to work, change in residence, and treatment related stress. Ten patients received IPL alone (mean: 10.5 sessions) and 7 underwent treatment with IPL (mean: 7.7 sessions) and Er: YAG/IPL combination therapy (mean: 4.7 sessions). The initial treatment outcome was cleared in 5 patients and excellent in 12. Fourteen patients (82.4%) showed CMN recurrence one year after treatment completion. The histological results from a patient with an excellent clinical outcome showed remnant nevus cells nests in the deep dermis. CONCLUSION IPL treatment alone and in combination with Er: YAG laser are not definitive treatments for CMN and should not be considered as first-line treatment.