308 nm excimer lamp in combination with topical tacrolimus: A retrospective study of its efficacy and safety in childhood vitiligo

Background: Vitiligo is a chronic, polygenic dyschromia that presents with multiple depigmented macules and patches. Among the various therapeutic modalities for treatment of vitiligo in children, phototherapy as one of the mainstay treatments has varying therapeutic efficacy. There is limited data regarding the use of combination of tacrolimus and 308 nm excimer lamp for treatment of vitiligo in children. Aim: The aim of the present study is to retrospectively assess the efficacy and tolerability of 308 nm Excimer lamp in combination with topical tacrolimus to treat vitiligo in children below 17 years with skin type III, IV and V. Methods: Case sheets and photographs of 47 vitiligo patches from 24 children (male = 9, female = 15), Results: Of the 47 patches, 35 patches achieved repigmentation accounting to 74.4% of the total patches. The repigmentation response was good in ultraviolet (UV) sensitive areas but minimal in UV resistant areas. All the patches retained pigmentation during the follow-up period of 12-18 months. Conclusion: The degree of repigmentation achieved with topical tacrolimus and excimer lamp in a period of 4-6 weeks is much higher than other contemporary vitiligo therapies in children. This dual therapy of topical tacrolimus and 308 nm Excimer lamp is a safe and effective therapy showing an early response, for localized vitiligo in children.