UVA1 Laser in the Treatment of Vitiligo.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this article was to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of a monochromatic 355 nm ultraviolet (UVA) laser in the treatment of vitiligo.

BACKGROUND DATA: Broadband and narrow-band UV phototherapy has been proposed as an effective therapeutic option in vitiligo patients.

METHODS

Seventeen consecutive, unselected patients (7 men and 10 women) were enrolled in an open-label, prospective study and treated twice weekly for 8 weeks at a fixed dose of 80-140 J/cm(2). Follow-up was 12 weeks.

RESULTS

Clinical repigmentation was observed in 15/17 patients (88.23%), with limited side effects (mild post-treatment erythema and itching). Results were maintained during the 12 week phototherapy-free follow-up period.

CONCLUSIONS

the present report suggests that UVA1 laser could be an applicable therapeutic option in patients with vitiligo.