The 308-nm excimer laser: a promising device for the treatment of childhood vitiligo

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Numerous modalities have been used to treat vitiligo in children. Up to now, phototherapy and topical corticosteroids are the most commonly used treatments for adult vitiligo but studies evaluating the efficacy of these treatments in the pediatric population remain insufficient.

OBJECTIVE: This study was a retrospective review to evaluate the efficacy and safety of 308-nm excimer laser treatment in 30 childhood vitiligo patients.

METHODS: Thirty vitiligo patients with 40 vitiligo patches were evaluated after the cessation of 308-nm excimer laser treatment.

RESULTS: Seventeen patients (56.7%) with 20 patches (50%) achieved an acceptable degree (>50%) of repigmentation at the end of the treatment, with five patches (12.5%) showing >75% of repigmentation. The treatment response showed anatomical preferences, favoring the face, neck and trunk. However, the treatment response did not correlate to the cumulative dose or duration of treatment. Side effects occurred in nine patients, but were transient and minimal.

CONCLUSION: The results of this study shows that the 308-nm excimer laser can be an effective and promising device for the treatment of various vitiligo types, other than generalized, in childhood.