Response of nevus of Ota to Q-switched alexandrite laser according to treatment interval

In order to determine the appropriate treatment interval, 267 patients who underwent 3 sessions of treatment with Q-switched alexandrite laser were divided into 4 groups according to treatment interval, and their clinical responses were compared. Among them, 187 were asked about the process of pigment fading. Moreover, light and transmission electron microscopy were performed. It was noted that the clinical response of the 5 - 6 month interval group was significantly better than that of the 3 - 4 month group, but showed no significant difference from that of the 7 - 8 or ≥ 9 month group. 80.21% of investigated patients stated that marked pigment fading could no longer be observed 7 months after irradiation. 4 months after irradiation, the degenerated melanosomes and cell debris were still scattered among collagen fibers, scavenged gradually by macrophage. In conclusion, an appropriate treatment interval is 5 - 6 months.