Treatment of vitiligo using the 308-nm excimer laser.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to study the effectiveness of the 308-nm xenon chloride excimer laser in the treatment of vitiligo and to determine factors that favor a good response to treatment.

BACKGROUND DATA: Targeted phototherapy using the 308-nm xenon chloride excimer laser represents an effective therapy for the management of vitiligo. However, studies on a large number of patients are few despite the increasing use of the excimer laser to treat patients with vitiligo.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of 97 patients with chronic stable vitiligo was done with a total of 221 vitiligo patches treated.

RESULTS

Out of 221 vitiligo patches treated, 50.6% showed 75% pigmentation or more, 25.5% achieved 100% pigmentation of their patches, and 64.3% showed 50% pigmentation or more. Lesions on the face responded better than lesions elsewhere.

CONCLUSION

The 308-nm xenon chloride excimer laser is an effective and safe modality for the treatment of vitiligo, with good results achieved in a relatively short duration of time.