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A preliminary study of fractional CO 2 laser added to topical tacrolimus combined with 308 nm excimer lamp for refractory vitiligo
Author(s) -
Wen Xiang,
Hamblin Michael R.,
Xian Yan,
Li Yong
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
dermatologic therapy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.595
H-Index - 68
eISSN - 1529-8019
pISSN - 1396-0296
DOI - 10.1111/dth.12747
Subject(s) - vitiligo , medicine , tacrolimus , refractory (planetary science) , excimer laser , dermatology , excimer , adverse effect , laser , surgery , optics , transplantation , pharmacology , materials science , physics , composite material
Fractional CO 2 laser has been proposed recently to be effective and well tolerated in patients with refractory vitiligo. In this preliminary, prospective study, 21 patients with multiple, localized, refractory, non‐segmental vitiligo lesions were randomized to receive either tacrolimus ointment plus 308 nm excimer lamp (control), with or without the addition of fractional CO 2 laser. There was no statistically significant improvement in the repigmentation on the laser side compared to the control side. Treatment was generally well‐tolerated; only localized adverse effects were noted. Overall the triple combination therapy was not superior to tacrolimus ointment plus 308 nm excimer lamp. Treatment failure may reflect insufficient penetration of tacrolimus ointment through the holes created by fractional CO 2 laser on the skin.