Treatment of Faun-Tail Naevus with Intense Pulsed Light

Abstract

Faun tail is a rare cutaneous marker of spinal dysraphism. This neurological abnormality may lead to difficulties such as severe pain and burning sensations in treatment of hypertrichosis of faun tail with laser or laser-like devices. We evaluated outcomes of an intense pulsed light source in two patients with faun tail. The Lumina intense pulsed light system [650-nm handpiece (550-1100 nm)] was used for the treatment. Magnetic resonance imaging and neurological examination were done. Tethered cord syndrome was detected as a neurological abnormality. The patients were treated with an energy fluence of 18- 26 J/cm(2), pulse sequencing of 3 to 4, and a delay time of 20-35 ms. Local anesthesia was applied in one patient during treatment for severe pain sensation. A mean of 85% hair reduction was achieved. A good cosmetic result with intense pulsed light treatment was achieved in the patients with faun tail. Local anesthesia may be required before treatment of faun tail with laser or laser-like systems due to associated neurological abnormalities.