Congenital naevi treated with erbium:YAG laser (Derma K) resurfacing in neonates: clinical results and review of the literature

Background Giant congenital melanocytic naevi (CMN) are often disfiguring, potentially malignant pigmented lesions present at birth. Their management is based on two main considerations: attempt to minimize the risk of malignancy and to obtain an acceptable cosmetic result. In the past various approaches have been used to treat these naevi. Objectives To describe clinical and histopathological results after treatment of CMN in neonates with erbium:YAG (Er:YAG) laser resurfacing. Methods Ten children with CMN were treated with Er:YAG laser resurfacing in the first weeks of life. Results Laser ablation was well tolerated by all children and immediate results were good. At a total follow-up ranging from 3 to 36 months we saw good results, with no or minimal repigmentation, in eight of 10 patients. Patients experienced minimal side-effects such as postoperative pain, bleeding and scar formation. Postoperative histopathology showed disappearance of heavily pigmented cells in the upper part of the dermis. Conclusions Er:YAG laser resurfacing is an effective method of ablating CMN, with minimal scarring and postoperative complications.