Abstract
Background and Objective Vitiligo is commonly treated with PUVA, and more recently, narrowβband UVB (NBUVB) phototherapy. Given the proximity of the wavelengths of NBUVB (311Β nm) and the excimer laser (308Β nm), we undertook a clinical trial to test the efficacy of this device.
Methods Twiceβweekly 308βnm UVβB radiation was given to selected vitiligo lesions for a maximum of 60 treatments. These lesions had been unsuccessfully treated previously with at least one other method of treatment. Initial doses were 100Β mJ/cm^2^ with increments of 10β25%. Improvement was assessed on a visual scale via serial photographs.
Results Subjects tolerated the treatment well. Improvement varied with body site. After 60 treatments, lesions on the hands and feet showed grade 2 improvement in 2/10 subjects and grade 1 in 8/10. For the axillae, there was grade 4 improvement in 1/3 subjects and grade 2 improvement in 2/3 by treatment 60. The face demonstrated the most rapid repigmentation with grade 4 repigmentation seen in 3/5 subjects by 40 treatments and grade 3 in 2/5 by 30 treatments. There were no adverse effects.
Conclusions The userβfriendly 308βnm excimer laser allows targeted treatments of localized vitiligo.