Imiquimod: A potential option for inhibition of repigmentation of congenital melanocytic nevus after laser ablation

Yifei Zhao; Yun Zou; Xiangyu Chen; Hanlin Zeng; Hanru Ying; Xiaoxi Lin; Hui Chen

Chinese Journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (Jun 2024)

Imiquimod: A potential option for inhibition of repigmentation of congenital melanocytic nevus after laser ablation

Yifei Zhao,
Yun Zou,
Xiangyu Chen,
Hanlin Zeng,
Hanru Ying,
Xiaoxi Lin,
Hui Chen

Affiliations

Yifei Zhao: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
Yun Zou: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
Xiangyu Chen: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
Hanlin Zeng: Shanghai Institute of Precision Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201900, China
Hanru Ying: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
Xiaoxi Lin: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China; Corresponding authors. Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai, 200011, China.
Hui Chen: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China; Corresponding authors. Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai, 200011, China.

Journal volume & issue: Vol. 6, no. 2
pp. 76 – 78

Abstract

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Congenital melanocytic nevi (CMN) are common skin tumors. Large and specially located nevi cannot be completely removed by surgery, posing the risks of both cosmetic deformities and potential malignancy. Nonsurgical treatments, such as laser therapy and physical dermabrasion, can overcome the limitations of surgery; however, the high rate of repigmentation remains an unresolved global challenge. We conducted a self-controlled observational study of a patient with a nevus on the chest. Two areas of the lesion were treated with an Er:YAG laser and 5% imiquimod cream was applied to one of these areas. After nearly 7-months of follow-up, we observed a significant difference in color between the two areas, suggesting that topical imiquimod may inhibit repigmentation and significantly enhance the effectiveness of laser treatment.

Published in Chinese Journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

ISSN: 2096-6911 (Print); 2772-686X (Online)
Publisher: KeAi Communications Co. Ltd.
Country of publisher: China
LCC subjects: Medicine: Surgery
Website: https://www.keaipublishing.com/en/journals/chinese-journal-of-plastic-and-reconstructive-surgery/

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