Intense pulsed light treatment for Becker's nevus.

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/cm, 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) ( = .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 ( = .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.