Nevus of Ota, is also known as nevus fuscoceruleus ophthalmomaxillaris. This is characterised by a pigmentary change in the first and second sections of the trigeminal nerve. Nevus of Ota is normally unilateral, this means that it generally affects only one side of the face over the cheek, temple, forehead, nose and around the eye. It can also be bilateral (both sides of the face are involve) but it is less frequent. Nevus of Ota is seen as a pigmentary change of irregular blue, bluish-gray or brown pigmentation. In most cases the person will also have a bluish discoloration involving the eye (conjunctiva), the cornea (clear part of the eye) and the retina (the inside lining of the eye). Often Nevus of Ota presents at birth but there are cases that develop after birth generally during the teenage years. The pigmentation can develop gradually over time not all at once.

Nevus of Ota can be treated with lasers to improve its appearance. If left untreated the lesion will remain unchanged throughout life. However Nevus of Ota can darken with sun exposure. This is a benign lesion.

At The Angel Laser Clinic patients that suspect that they have Nevus of Ota first are seen by our consultant dermatologist Dr Christina Vlachou to obtain the correct diagnosis. After that appointment she will recommend a treatment suitable for that particular patient. This could involve laser treatments that normally are done every six or eight weeks. The treatment is painless and patients report they feel a warm snapping sensation on their skin. The recommended number of sessions is twelve or more.