Combinatorial Therapy for Segmental Vitiligo

Three treatment modalities achieved at least 75% repigmentation in more than half of patients.

Vitiligo is a depigmenting condition that affects 0.5% to 1.0% of individuals. It can have devastating emotional effects on afflicted patients. The segmental form of the disease (defined by unilateral distribution, early onset, and stable disease after rapid progression) is particularly difficult to treat. Researchers in Korea retrospectively analyzed 159 patients (Fitzpatrick skin types III or IV) with segmental vitiligo treated with a 308-nm xenon chloride excimer laser 2 days per week, topical tacrolimus 0.1% twice daily, and 20 mg prednisolone daily for the first 3 weeks (median treatment duration, 1 year). The primary site of involvement in most patients was the face and neck.

More than half of patients experienced repigmentation of 75%…

Reviewing Author

Craig A. Elmets, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory board Astellas Pharmaceuticals

EquityVaxin

Grant / Research support NIH; NIH/NCI; Veteran’s Administration; Ferndale Laboratories; Kyowa Hakko Kirin Pharma, Inc.

Editorial boards Cancer Prevention Research; Photodermatology, Photoimmunology, & Photomedicine; UpToDate; eMedicine; Journal of Dermatological Sciences; JAMA Dermatology

Leadership positions in professional societies American Academy of Dermatology (Vice Chair, Committee on Science and Research); Photomedicine Society (Board of Directors)