Number of Treatments counts more than the frequency in Excimer Laser for Vitiligo

Researchers have shown in a study Published in J W Dermatology, that number of treatment sessions counts more than the frequency of treatments, in Excimer Laser for Vitiligo. They took 14 patients who had at least 3 Vitiligo patches in the same body area, and they were given once twice and thrice weekly sessions if Excimer laser for a total period of 12 weeks. These patients were followed up for another 12 months. The treatment started with a sub-erythemal dose of 15 mJ per cm2 and then progressively increased (or decreased) on the basis of tolerance. Seven people completed the full 12 week treatment, while there were 1 who received at least 6 weeks of treatment. Laser induced start of pigmentation correlated with the total number of treatment sessions received and not with frequency; this is similar to other forms of phototherapy.

People in the thrice weekly group hence had an early initiation of pigmentation, mainly due to higher number of treatments, but they also had the highest incidence of side effects, which precludes the popularity of this regimen. It was however seen that significant start of pigmentation was induced in all three regimens. This laser induced pigmentation was not lost during the 12 month follow-up period.

Highest frequency of side effects was seen in the thrice weekly group. These untoward effects included burning and stinging, moderate-to-severe redness, swelling, and well defined blisters.