Treatment of halo nevus with a 308-nm excimer laser: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND

The treatment of halo nevus is controversial and ranges from observation requiring no therapy to excision biopsy.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficacy of excimer laser for the treatment of halo nevus.

METHODS

Four patients with halo nevus on the face were treated by excimer laser three times a week until they achieved 75% pigmentation or a maximum of 36 treatment sessions. They were assessed visually by comparing photographs taken before and at the end of treatment.

RESULTS

Two patients re-pigmented completely and two showed 80% pigmentation. The number of sessions ranged from seven to 35. The study is limited by the small number of patients.

CONCLUSION

Treatment with the 308-nm excimer laser may be an effective treatment of halo nevi located on the face.