Comparison of the 308-nm excimer laser with the 308-nm excimer lamp in the treatment of vitiligo--a randomized bilateral comparison study.

BACKGROUND

Vitiligo is an acquired pigment disorder characterized by areas of depigmented skin resulting from the loss of epidermal melanocytes. Recently, several investigations have documented the benefits of excimer phototherapy (e.g., using the 308-nm excimer laser or the 308-nm excimer lamp) for the treatment of vitiligo.

AIM: To compare the effectiveness of the 308-nm excimer laser with the 308-nm excimer lamp in the treatment of vitiligo patients.

METHODS

This intervention study was designed as a randomized self-control trial. Fourteen subjects with 48 symmetrical vitiligo lesions were enrolled in this study. One lesion was treated with the 308-nm excimer laser, and its counterpart was treated with the 308-nm excimer lamp. Lesions were treated three times a week with the same dose on both sides for a total of 20 sessions.

RESULTS

All of the patients completed the study, and 48 lesions were treated. The two treatments exhibited similar results in terms of repigmentation.

CONCLUSIONS

The 308-nm excimer lamp and the 308-nm excimer laser exhibited similar efficacies in treating vitiligo.