Epidermal Grafting After Chemical Epilation in the Treatment of Vitiligo

Abstract

Chemical epilation followed by epidermal grafting is a safe, easy, and effective treatment for vitiligo affecting hairy regions.

Comparison of Melanocytes Transplantation Methods for the Treatment of Vitiligo

“…The most popular techniques are freezing with liquid nitrogen or nitrous oxide, dermabrasion, the use of lasers, diathermosurgery (Timedsurgery), chemical epilation, and ultrasonic abrasion. [17][18][19][20] In the study, freezing with nitrous oxide was used, resulting in blisters in the recipient site. In the transplantation of cultured autologous melanocytes method, an important role is played by the size of the frozen blister.…”

Repigmentation of vitiligo‐associated leukotrichia after autologous, non‐cultured melanocyte‐keratinocyte transplantation

“…3 It has been suggested that deeper dermabrasion in the scalp might enhance the onset and degree of repigmentation by shortening the distance melanocytes will be required to travel. 3 Kim et al 2 performed epidermal grafting in two patients with scalp vitiligo associated with leukotrichia.…”

“…Vitiliginous areas with overlying leukotrichia usually fail to achieve repigmentation by conventional medical treatments as a result of a deficient melanocyte reservoir. 2 Even after the successful repigmentation of vitiliginous skin by medical therapies, leukotrichia hairs may remain depigmented, causing a major psychological impact on the patient. 3 In such cases, surgical treatments may be helpful in restoring pigmentation in gray hairs.…”

“…There are only a few reports of the successful repigmentation of leukotrichic hair by various surgical treatments for vitiligo. [2][3][4][5][6][7][8] We report four patients in whom successful repigmentation of vitiligo-associated leukotrichia was achieved using autologous non-cultured melanocyte-keratinocyte transplantation (MKT).…”

Letter: Surgical Repigmentation of Leukotrichia in Localized Vitiligo

“…Vitiligo on hairy areas like the scalp and eyebrows is frequently associated with leukotrichia, and repigmentation by photochemotherapy is usually difficult because of a deficient melanocyte reservoir. 1 During surgical repigmentation of vitiligo with in vitro cultured grafts, it was observed that the depigmented hairs on treated areas recovered their normal pigmentation. This is due to the possible migration of pigment cells from the grafted epidermis toward the hair follicle walls and from this site toward the hair bulb, where melanocytes incorporate normal pigment into the hair shaft.…”