A pilot study to determine the safety and efficacy of monochromatic excimer light in the treatment of vitiligo.
OBJECTIVE
According to a European pilot study, the 308-nanometer (nm) Excilite mu (DEKA, Florence, Italy) system may be a promising tool for patients with vitiligo by offering targeted phototherapy, a rapid onset of repigmentation, and few adverse effects. The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of the 308-nm Excilite mu in the treatment of vitiligo. METHODS AND LIMITATIONS: Ten patients with stable vitiligo were exposed to 10 weeks of targeted phototherapy with the Excilite mu device, followed by 5 weeks of observation. Skin types 1 and 2 were not included in the cohort, and Wood's light examination was not documented.


RESULTS
At 2 weeks, repigmentation was observed in 60% of the subjects, according to patient assessment, and 50% of the subjects, according to the treating physician and independent observer assessments. All patients maintained the repigmentation during the 5-week, follow-up period.


CONCLUSIONS
The 308-nm Excilite mu is a safe and fast-acting therapeutic option in patients with stable vitiligo and skin types 3 through 6.
Chimento
Stacy M
SM
Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA.
Newland
Meggan
M
Ricotti
Carlos
C
Nistico
Steven
S
Romanelli
Paolo
P
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology; D012880:Skin Pigmentation / Q000528:radiation effects; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014467:Ultraviolet Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D014820:Vitiligo / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy*