Depigmentation therapy with Q-switched ruby laser after tanning in vitiligo universalis.
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.
Kim
Y J
YJ
Department of Dermatology, Chosun University Hospital, Gwangju, Korea. yjkim@mail.chosun.ac.kr
Chung
B S
BS
Choi
K C
KC
D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006873:Hydroquinones / Q000008:administration & dosage; D017075:Laser Coagulation; D008544:Melanocytes; D011701:PUVA Therapy; D014820:Vitiligo / Q000628:therapy*
D006873:Hydroquinones; C031927:hydroquinone