Evaluation of carbon dioxide laser in the treatment of epidermal nevi

oleh: Yasmeen Jabeen Bhat, Iffat Hassan, Peerzada Sajad, Atiya Yaseen, Syed Mubashir, Saniya Akhter, Roohi Wani

Format: Article
Diterbitkan: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2016-01-01

Deskripsi

Background: Epidermal naevi are benign hamartomatous growths of the skin which are generally asymptomatic with a benign course but are cosmetically disagreeable. Topical treatments such as steroids, calcipotriol, 5 fluorouracil, podophyllin, retinoids and cryotherapy are ineffective and surgical excision results in scar formation. Therapy is often challenging. Aim of the Study: To study the response of carbon dioxide (CO2) laser in the management of epidermal naevi. Subjects and Methods: We conducted a study of CO2laser treatment on 15 patients of epidermal naevi, eight with verrucous epidermal naevi and seven with sebaceous naevi. A thorough history and examination was done to rule out any epidermal naevus syndrome. The diagnosis was confirmed by histopathology. The number of treatment sessions varied from 1 to 8. Results: Response was excellent (>90% reduction in lesion size) in three patients, very good (>75% reduction) in five, good (>50% reduction in lesion size) in five and poor (<50% reduction in lesion size) in two patients. The side effects were hyperpigmentation and scarring. Long-term follow-up over a period of 10 months showed a recurrence rate of 20%. Conclusion: We conclude that CO2laser treatment might be an effective option with long-term safety, minimal discomfort and rapid recovery.