Background: Naevus of Ota is seen infrequently among Iranian individuals with a Mediterranean complexion.
Objective: Treatment of Ota's naevus by closed contact CO(2) cryotherapy.
Patients and methods: Four patients, three female and one male, were enrolled in this study. A closed contact CO(2) cryogun with a round, flat-topped cryoprobe was preferred because of its easy control and monitoring. A small area was tested first to assure the patients of the procedure's effect and its lack of complications. At 6-8 weeks later when the patients returned with a hypopigmented patch the lesions were totally frozen or were sectioned first for the cases with extensive diameters. The procedure was repeated every 6-8 weeks until there was an acceptable colour match of the lesion with normal skin.
Results: Oedema and wheal developed soon after freezing. Oedema may lead to crust formation and less likely to bullae within 24-48 h, with the crust peeling 5-7 days later, leaving an erythematous area gradually followed by a hypopigmented patch. Three to five and occasionally more sessions may be required for full and acceptable colour matching. No permanent complications were seen.
Conclusion: Cryotherapy is a cheap and safe method that can be used as an alternative method for the treatment of naevus of Ota.