Treatment of pigmented lesions of neurofibromatosis 1 with intense pulsed-radio frequency in combination with topical application of vitamin D3 ointment

Cafe-au-lait spots and pigmented freckling are found in most of patients with neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1). Although many modalities have been used for treating the pigmented lesions, the response to treatment has been variable. Therefore, we performed the treatment of pigmented lesions with NF1 by intense pulsed-radio frequency (IPL-RF) in combination with topical application of vitamin D-3 ointment. Eight patients were treated in this study and the improvement was moderate to good in six cases (75%) although the response was relatively mild. Thus, results from our study indicate that IPL-RF irradiation in combination with topical application of vitamin D-3 ointment would be useful as new modalities, especially for treatment of numerous small pigmented lesions in patients with NF1. Although further studies with large groups of patients should be performed for a better conclusion, it could improve quality of life with NF1 patients who are concerned with serious cosmetic and social problems.