Dermoscopic changes in melanocytic nevi after depilation techniques

Abstract

Depilation techniques have gain popularity in the last few decades. Nowadays there are available a wide variety of lasers as well as intense pulsed light for depilation. However, little is known about the long-term effects of these procedures when melanocytic nevi are affected by them. We report the cases of three patients where we observed clinical, dermoscopic and histopathological changes secondary to laser therapy and intense pulsed light depilation, respectively. We believe that it is necessary to perform further studies to prove the absence of malignant transformation so that we will be able to set up recommendations in those patients with a personal or family history of malignant melanoma and/or dysplastic nevi.

Dermoscopic evaluation of melanocytic nevi changes after photo‐epilation techniques: a prospective study

“…Current scientific literature on the melanocytic nevi dermoscopic changes after laser treatment is very limited, and usually again document only the findings at the moment of the visit, showing overall regressive signs, such as loss of the pigment network and appearance of blue–greyish and whitish areas . In our survey, we had the opportunity to observe prospectively 73 nevi located on body areas that underwent photo epilation, and the most frequent dermoscopic alteration was bleaching of nevi (82%), followed by any degree of pigment network disruption (79%).…”

“…First of all, there are differences in follicular and epidermal melanocytes content, and in optical and thermal properties of the hair and the epidermis; moreover, the thermal conductance of the follicle and the surrounding dermis is also different compared to the subcutaneous fat, where terminal hair bulbs are located. Nevertheless, nevi with junctional nests of heavily pigmented melanocytes can absorb a significant portion of the photons delivered from these instruments and show some clinical and dermoscopic modifications . Most of the literature reports on this topic are limited to case series, with no follow‐up.…”

Changes in melanocytic nevi after laser treatment evaluated by dermoscopy and reflectance confocal microscopy

“…There are a few reports on the scientific literature describing dermoscopic and histologic changes on melanocytic nevi after laser treatment . So‐called blue and white structures (BWS) are a common feature among the described cases.…”

Clinically atypical nevi following diode laser therapy

“…2,5 Histologically, the side effects associated with laser treatment range from subepidermal blister formation to an increase in melanophages in the upper dermis with scarce nests of nevus cells. 2,6 Although some biopsies may be more transparent, others, as in this case, may be altered to the point that they show unrecognizable patterns and thus lead to uncertainty regarding the most appropriate course of action. 2 The evidence supporting or negating laser therapy as a cause of malignant transformation of benign nevi is inadequate, and the literature fails to provide evidence supporting the next step in a patient with risk factors for melanoma.…”

“…with laser treatment range from subepidermal blister formation to an increase in melanophages in the upper dermis with scarce nests of nevus cells 2,6. Although some biopsies may be more transparent, others, as in this case, may be altered to the point that they show unrecognizable patterns and thus lead to uncertainty regarding the most appropriate course of action 2.…”