308-nm excimer lamp with 0.03% tacrolimus ointment is safe and effective to treat children with non-segmental vitiligo

Abstract

Introduction: A 308-nm excimer lamp combined with topical medicines has been used to treat vitiligo. However, few studies have evaluated its efficacy and influencing factors in children.

Aim: We investigated the clinical effects and factors influencing the effectiveness of a 308-nm excimer lamp combined with 0.03% tacrolimus ointment in treating children with non-segmental vitiligo.

Material and methods: A retrospective interventional case-series study was performed on 73 patients with non-segmental vitiligo treated with combination therapy. The duration of treatment ranged from 1 to 24 months, and the total number of treatments ranged from 4 to 78 sessions. We evaluated different treatment factors, including the number of treatments with a 308-nm excimer lamp, location, dose, disease course, and adverse reactions.

Results: Overall, 105 leukodermas were treated: 36.2% had disappeared completely. The efficiency rate was 81.9% after a median treatment duration of 10.5 months. The treatment was most effective for the face and neck. Patients with a short disease duration showed a better response (disease duration shorter than 12 months). Reported adverse reactions were mild.

Conclusions: Treatment using a 308-nm excimer lamp and 0.03% tacrolimus ointment is a safe and valuable treatment for children with non-segmental vitiligo.

Keywords: drug reaction; phototherapy; tacrolimus; vitiligo.

Figure 1

A – Patient showing a vitiligo lesion on the neck before the excimer lamp treatment. B – The same patient showing that the skin had returned to its normal colour after two courses of treatment. C – Patient showing multiple vitiligo lesions on the neck before the excimer lamp treatment. D – The same patient showing significant improvement after two courses of treatment. E – Patient showing a vitiligo lesion on the face before the excimer lamp treatment. F – The same patient showing partial improvement after two courses of treatment. G – Patient showing a vitiligo lesion on the foot before the excimer lamp treatment. H – The same patient showing no improvement with expansion of the affected area after two courses of treatment