Repigmentation of leukotrichia due to retrograde migration of melanocytes after noncultured epidermal suspension transplantation.

BACKGROUND

Although leukotrichia in vitiligo is troublesome, no study has been performed with a large number of patients undergoing surgical or medical vitiligo treatment giving importance to its improvement.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate retrospectively the improvement of leukotrichia after a modified procedure of autologous noncultured epidermal suspension transplantation.

METHODS

Individuals with stable vitiligo (N = 31) were included, and 42 lesions with leukotrichia were treated. Autologous noncultured epidermal suspension was prepared from split skin graft and transplanted to the dermabraded recipient area using a new modified procedure. Patients were given methylcobalamin and advised to get daily sun exposure after dressing removal. Follow-up ranged from 6 months to 1 year. Retrospective assessment was based on percentage improvement of leukotrichia according to photographs.

RESULTS

There was improvement of leukotrichia in 37 of 42 (88.1%) treated lesions. Improvement was faster in body hairs than pubic hairs and hair on the face and scalp. No significant adverse events were reported.

CONCLUSION

Although retrograde migration of melanocytes in the improvement of leukotrichia was observed in surgical management of vitiligo, this is the first study with a large number of patients using noncultured epidermal suspension transplantation.