Dermabrasion may repigment vitiligo through stimulation of melanocyte precursors and elimination of hyperkeratosis.

BACKGROUND

The observation of successful repigmentation of recalcitrant vitiligo patches in spite of rejection of epithelial grafts from the dermabraded skin presented a query about possible efficiency of dermabrasion itself in the repigmentation process.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this work is to investigate the possible effectiveness of dermabrasion alone in managing stable vitiligo.

METHODS

Ten patients with vitiligo were candidates in this study. Superficial dermabrasion was carried out using proper diamond fraises. Biopsy was obtained after 10 days of the procedure and examined pathologically. The patients were followed up for 3 months.

RESULTS

Dermabrasion was able to repigment vitiliginous patches completely in six patients and partially in two patients, while two cases failed to repigment at all. Spindle melanocyte precursors were demonstrated in the epidermis 10 days after abrasion with regaining normal thickness of keratin layers.

CONCLUSION

Dermabrasion can repigment vitiligo through stimulation of melanocyte stem cells and elimination of hyperkeratosis.