A: This pigmented lesion on the face which have a slate-brown or blue/grey colour is usually present at birth (50% of cases) but sometimes it can appear later in life i.e. during adolescence or adult life. It usually occurs on the forehead and face around the eye area. It may also be associated with pigmented spots on the white of the eye or inside the mouth. It is called Naevus of Ota.
It is due to the presence of an excessive number of melanocytes (pigment producing cells) deep in the dermis area. It is most commonly found in Asian, and appears more frequently in females.
The good news is, it is treatable by using Nd YAG Q switched laser. But the number of treatments depends on individual. It usually needs at least 10 sessions of laser treatments. There is a high chance of complete clearance of the lesion, but it may sometimes reoccurs.
By Dr. Tan
