Q-Switched Ruby Laser Treatment of a Congenital Melanocytic Nevus

BACKGROUND: The treatment of medium-sized (1.5-20 cm diameter) congenital melanocytic nevi (CMN) has been the concern of dermatologists for decades. Although many techniques have been described and utilized, no single treatment has emerged as applicable under all circumstances. METHODS: The Q-switched ruby laser (QSRL) at 694 nm, a wavelength well absorbed by melanin relative to other optically absorbing structures in skin, causes highly selective destruction of pigment-laden cells. In addition, the 20-nanosecond pulse duration produced by this laser approximates the thermal relaxation time for melanosomes, thereby confining the energy to the targeted cells. RESULTS: In the present report, treatment using the QSRL resulted in complete clinical removal of a biopsy-documented medium-sized compound CMN with no recurrence after 5 years. In contrast to other therapeutic modalities, complications such has hypertrophic scarring, dyspigmentation, or atrophy were not observed.