Comparing the efficacy of 308‐nm light‐emitting diode and 308‐nm excimer lamp for treating vitiligo: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

BackgroundIn previous studies, the 308‐nm light‐emitting diode (LED) has been proven safe and effective for treating vitiligo. However, direct comparisons between the 308‐nm LED and 308‐nm excimer lamp (308‐nm MEL) for the treatment of vitiligo are lacking.ObjectiveTo compare the efficacy of the 308‐nm LED and 308‐nm MEL for treating nonsegmental stable vitiligo.Patients and MethodsThis randomized controlled trial was conducted between January 2018 and August 2023. Enrolled patients were randomly assigned to either the 308‐nm LED or the 308‐nm MEL groups, both receiving 16 treatment sessions. Adverse events that occurred during the treatment were documented.ResultsIn total, 269 stable vitiligo patches from 174 patients completed the study. A total of 131 lesions were included in the 308‐nm LED group, and 138 lesions were included in the 308‐nm MEL group. After 16 treatment sessions, 38.17% of the vitiligo patches in the 308‐nm LED group achieved repigmentation of at least 50% versus 38.41% in the 308‐nm MEL group. The two devices exhibited similar results in terms of efficacy for a repigmentation of at least 50% (p = .968). The incidence of adverse effects with the two phototherapy devices was comparable (p = .522).ConclusionsTreatment of vitiligo with the 308‐nm LED had a similar efficacy rate to the 308‐nm MEL, and the incidence of adverse effects was comparable between the two devices.