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Lasers for nevi: a review

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Abstract

A nevus is described as a benign, often pigmented, skin growth that can be congenital or acquired. Different types of nevi are located at different depths within the skin. Traditional treatments for nevi include topical treatments, dermabrasion, and excision, which are generally ineffective, invasive, and often result in scars and dyspigmentation. Lately, laser therapy has been used as an alternative. Based on the theory of selective photothermolysis, melanin can be specifically targeted, minimizing adverse effects and increasing effectiveness of laser treatments. Several types of lasers and lights have been studied for this purpose without a concise agreement as to which is the best. In general, quality-switched lasers are preferred for the treatment of pigmented lesions. However, there is controversy about this therapy because certain nevi may have malignant potential. This article serves as a comprehensive review of available laser treatments for nevi and discusses the appropriate measures that should be taken before and after laser therapy. Based on the reviewed literature, laser treatment has generally been proven to be a safe and effective therapy for nevi with minimal side effects.

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Abbreviations

QS:

Quality switched

CO2 :

Carbon dioxide

RL:

Ruby laser

Nd:YAG:

Neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser

Er:YAG:

Erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser

NMRL:

Normal mode ruby laser

CMN:

Congenital melanocytic nevi

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The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1475 NW 12th AVE, Miami, FL, 33136, USA

    Harleen Arora, Leyre Falto-Aizpurua, Robert D. Griffith & Keyvan Nouri

  2. Department of Dermatology, University of Maryland Medical Center, 419 W. Redwood Street, Suite 240, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA

    Anna Chacon

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  1. Harleen Arora
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  2. Leyre Falto-Aizpurua
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  3. Anna Chacon
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  4. Robert D. Griffith
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  5. Keyvan Nouri
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Correspondence to Leyre Falto-Aizpurua.

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Arora, H., Falto-Aizpurua, L., Chacon, A. et al. Lasers for nevi: a review. Lasers Med Sci 30, 1991–2001 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-014-1697-y

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