Optimal frequency of treatment with the 308-nm excimer laser for vitiligo on the face and neck.

OBJECTIVES

This study was designed to determine the optimal treatment frequency with the 308-nm excimer laser for vitiligo and identify key clinical variable(s) associated with treatment efficacy at the optimal frequency.

BACKGROUND DATA: Optimal clinical parameters for excimer laser treatment of vitiligo have not been fully determined. Data about the influence on treatment frequency of different clinical variables of vitiligo are needed to facilitate effective treatment regimens.

METHODS

A total of 187 patients were treated with the 308-nm excimer laser for 20 sessions at different frequencies (0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 per week). The repigmentation rate was graded on a six-point scale and was blindly evaluated by independent physicians.

RESULTS

The final percentage of repigmentation for group 0.5 was statistically lower than those for group 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0, and percentages of final levels of repigmentation among these three groups were not statistically different. The clinical variables showed no statistical differences in the final repigmentation effect. Repigmentation occurred fastest with treatment frequencies of 2.0 and 3.0 and there was no statistically significant difference between them. The onset of repigmentation correlated with the area of vitiliginous patches treated, not with the other clinical variables.

CONCLUSIONS

The 308-nm excimer laser is effective for therapy to treat vitiligo on the face and neck. The ultimate laser-induced repigmentation effect does not correlate with treatment frequency and repigmentation occurs faster with treatment frequencies of 2.0 and 3.0 than that of 1.0. It appears that the onset of repigmentation correlates with the total area of vitiliginous patches and the optimal treatment frequency. Monitored studies on a larger population with long-term follow-up would be needed to confirm and extend our findings.