Variables that predict response of nevus of ota to lasers.

Nevus of ota is a dermal melanocytosis common among Asian patients, mottled, blue-gray macule that is usually located unilaterally within the distribution of the first and second branches of the trigeminal nerve and almost always responds well to treatment with Q-switched lasers (eg, ruby, alexandrite, and Nd: YAG). In spite of the plethora of science behind laser-tissue interactions, the objective evaluation of nevus of ota response to laser is not on firm footing and most studies report subjective percentile scoring improvement. A knowledge of the variations in morphology of nevus of ota can help predict an optimal dose response and help to counsel patients appropriately.