NEVUS OF OTA

The Nevus of Ota is a birthmark (or presenting in the first few decades of life) consisting of a dermal deposition of pigmented melanocytes in the distribution of the trigeminal nerve.

Age of Onset

It can present at or soon after birth (48%), between 1 and 10 years of age (11%), or between 11 and 12 years of age (36%).

Clinical

Unilateral, congenital, blue-black pigmentation in the distribution of the trigeminal nerve (predominantly V1 and V2) is characteristic of the nevus of Ota. Pigmentation may also be found in the oral mucosa, sclera and tympanic membrane. The onset is at birth or soon after in approximately half of the cases. Nearly all lesions develop by age 30. Dark-skinned and Asian patients are more commonly affected and there is a female predominance.

Treatment

The laser (e.g. Q-switched ruby) has been used effectively. In a study of 522 patients from China, the Q-switched Alexandrite laser gave satisfactory results in all patients, none of whom developed scarring.

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