title: Depigmentation therapy with Q-switched ruby laser after tanning in vitiligo universalis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In vitiligo universalis, repigmentation therapy is seldom effective. Besides, bleaching cream which is often used in depigmentation therapy may lead to several serious complications.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Q-switched (QS) ruby laser can destroy melanosomes in melanocytes and keratinocytes by selective photothermolysis.
  
  
  METHODS
  We have attempted to destroy melanocytes by using the QS ruby laser after tanning in a patient with extensive vitiligo.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The patient had excellent results with no evidence of repigmentation after 1 year.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Depigmentation therapy with QS ruby laser after tanning is an effective and safe way of removing remnants of normal pigmentation in patients with vitiligo universalis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Chosun University Hospital, Gwangju, Korea. yjkim@mail.chosun.ac.kr
authors.forename: Y J
authors.initials: YJ
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: B S
authors.initials: BS
authors.lastname: Chung
authors.forename: K C
authors.initials: KC
authors.lastname: Choi
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006873:Hydroquinones / Q000008:administration & dosage; D017075:Laser Coagulation; D008544:Melanocytes; D011701:PUVA Therapy; D014820:Vitiligo / Q000628:therapy*
chemical_list: D006873:Hydroquinones; C031927:hydroquinone