Chinese Journal of Dermatology ›› 2014, Vol. 47 ›› Issue (1): 59-61.

• Research reports • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Short-term efficacy of high-intensity ultraviolet B versus 308-nm excimer laser for the treatment of vitiligo

  

  • Received:2013-05-30 Revised:2013-09-21 Online:2014-01-15 Published:2014-01-01
  • Contact: Leihong FloraXiang E-mail:flora.xiang08@gmail.com

Abstract: Dong Dake*, Yang Lijia, Tao Shiqin, Wu Jiaqiang, Xiang Leihong. *Department of Dermatology, Wuxi No. 2 People′s Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi 214002, China Corresponding author: Xiang Leihong, Email: flora_xiang@vip.163.com 【Abstract】 Objective To compare the short-term efficacy of high-intensity ultraviolet B (UVB) versus 308-nm excimer laser for the treatment of vitiligo. Methods Eighty patients with vitiligo were equally divided into two groups to be treated with high-intensity UVB twice a week or 308-nm excimer laser once a week for eight weeks. Repigmentation was evaluated at the end of the treatment. Results After eight weeks of treatment, repigmentation of different degrees was observed in 83.6% and 86.1%, and marked repigmentation in 42.1% and 50%, of the UVB- and excimer laser-treated lesions, respectively. The response rate was significantly lower in facial lesions receiving high-intensity UVB radiation than in those receiving excimer laser radiation (49.1% vs. 68.4%, χ2 = 4.32, P < 0.05), but similar at the other body sites between the two treatment (all P > 0.05). The cumulative dosage required for initial repigmentation was similar between high-intensity UVB and 308-nm excimer laser (t = 0.89, P > 0.05), while the treatment sessions and cumulative dosage required for marked or better repigmentation were significantly increased in UVB- compared with excimer laser-treated lesions (both P < 0.01). In addition, both high-intensity UVB and 308-nm excimer laser were suitable for childhood and active vitiligo. Conclusions Both high-intensity UVB and 308-nm excimer laser are safe and effective in the treatment of vitiligo with rapid onset of action, and the latter appears to be superior to the former in efficacy.

Key words: Vitiligo, Excimer lasers, Ultraviolet rays

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