The Efficacy And Safety Of 308nm Excimer Laser In The Treatment Of Vitiligo

Objective:To assess the efficacy and safety of 308 nm excimer laser in treatment of vitiligo.Methods:317 patches from 128 patients with vitiligo were treated with 308 nm excimer laser once a week for at least 8 weeks.Initial dosage was 100～300 mJ/cm~2 and the energy dose was increased depending on the response of individuals.The degree of repigmentation was evaluated on five grades: score 0=0%,score 1=1～25%,score 2=26～50%,score 3=51～75%,score 4 =76～100%,and the adverse effects were recorded.Results:A total of 128 patients with 317 patches were assessed in our research.97.5%of the 317 patches obtained repigmentation at different degrees,50.8%of the 317 patches reached an excellent response(score=4). The average treatment was 21 sessions.The degree of repigmentation increased with the number of treatments.The lesions on the face and neck had a better response to the treatment than those on the trunk and.limbs. And the lesions on the extremities and mucous membrane had the reluctant response compared to other sites.Patches with a shorter duration(＜lyear) showed a better response of repigmentation than those with the long duration(≥lyear).There was no statistically difference of the clinical efficacy between active vitiligo and stable vitiligo,and also between adults and children.The treatment was tolerated with transient side effects including symptomatic erythema,blisters,and itching or mild burning feel.Conclusion:308 nm excimer laser is effective in the treatment of vitiligo without obvious adverse effects.