Nevus of Ota

Nevus of Ota is a hyperpigmented lesion that forms around the eye and may even include the eye. It may be present at birth or it may start to appear during puberty. Nevus of Ota is caused by excessive melanocytes in the area. It may be brown, gray or blueish in color. It is more common in females than males and occurs more frequently in people of Asian or African ancestry. It is less likely in Caucasians but it does happen.

Treatment:

• • Topical Creams – there topical creams that may decrease the appearance of the Nevus of Ota but it will not cure it. The topicals will often contain hydroquinone and vitamin A derivatives. We have found that both the Obagi NuDerm and ZO Skincare Systems can be beneficial for the treatment but cannot be used directly on the eye lids.
  • Lasers – the most common use of lasers for the treatment of Nevus of Ota is the Q-switched lasers like the Lutronic Spectra Laser. Newer advances in picosecond lasers like the Cynosure PicoSure laser are also showing promise for treatment. It will take a series of treatments to have resolution of the pigmentation. The pigmentation may reoccur even after complete resolution and require further treatments.