Intense pulsed light treatment for Becker’s nevus

Abstract

Background Becker’s Nevus (BN) is a benign hamartoma with an esthetically troublesome condition secondary to hyperpigmentation and hypertrichosis. Many treatment modalities have been utilized with variable outcomes. Objectives To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intense pulsed light (IPL) in the treatment of BN. Patients and methods IPL was used at filter of 590 nm, fluence of 18–22 J/cm2, double-pulse mode (pulse width of 3–10 ms, pulse delay of 20–30 ms) at 3-month intervals. Final evaluations were performed by physician global assessment and patient satisfaction. Side effects were monitored at each treatment session and follow-up visit. Results Twenty-four patients (9 females, 15 males) with BN (16 hypertrichotic, 8 atrichotic) completed the study. The mean number of treatment sessions was 5 ± 2.17. The improvement in atrichotic BN group (4.87 ± 0.35) was significantly greater than that observed in hypertrichotic BN group (3.63 ± 0.89) (p = .001). Hair density simultaneously decreased with treatment in hypertrichotic BN. The mean satisfaction score was 5.75 ± 2.05 and 8 ± 0.93 in hypertrichotic and atrichotic BN groups respectively (p = .002). No repigmentation was noted during the follow-up period. No permanent side effects were observed. Conclusions IPL is an effective and well-tolerated treatment option for patients with hypertrichotic and atrichotic BN.

Keywords

• becker's nevus
• intense pulsed light
• hyperpigmentation
• hypertrichosis