Monochromatic excimer light 308 nm in monotherapy and combined with topical khellin 4% in the treatment of vitiligo: a controlled study

Abstract

ABSTRACT:Vitiligo is an acquired depigmentation disorder affecting 1-4% of the world's population. Conventional therapies include steroids, photosensitive topical agents, surgical treatments, and phototherapy. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of monochromatic excimer light 308 nm (MEL), both as a monotherapy and in combination with khellin 4% ointment in vitiligo. Forty-height patients (36 male and 12 female) affected with vitiligo were enrolled in this open prospective study. Patients were selected and divided into three groups: group I included 16 patients treated with MEL 308 nm once-weekly and oral vitamin E; group II included 16 patients treated with MEL 308 nm onceweekly combined with khellin 4% ointment (MEL-K) and oral vitamin E; group III (control group) included 16 patients treated only with oral vitamin E. Efficacy was assessed at the end of 12 weeks based on the percentage of repigmentation. Group I (MEL-group) showed a moderate repigmentation in 2/16 (12.5%) patients, good repigmentation in 10/16 (62.5%), and excellent repigmentation in 4/16 (25%) patients. Group II (MEL-K group) presented moderate repigmentation in 2/16 (12.5%) patients, good repigmentation in 5/16 (31.25%), and excellent repigmentation in 9/16 (56.25%). Group III (control group) showed a moderate repigmentation in 3/16 patients (18.75%), a good repigmentation in 1/16 (6.25%) patient, while 10/16 (62.5%) patients did not show signs of repigmentation. The clinical response achieved in group I and II was higher compared with group III (control group) without showing significant differences. MEL 308 nm, alone and/or combined with khellin 4% offered encouraging results and it may be considered a valid therapeutic option worthy of consideration in the treatment of vitiligo.

Neurocutaneous Melanosis in a Woman with Multiple Brain Melanocytomas, Cutaneous Melanocytosis and Oral Involvement

“…Therefore, according to the clinical and histological findings present in our patient and to the findings reported in the literature and similarly to other cases (22)(23)(24)(25)(26)(27), we classified our case as a form of neurocutaneous melanosis in an adult patient and we present it for the rarity of this syndrome, for the difficulty of diagnosis, for the potential aggressive behaviour of intracranial lesions that implies a constant attentive follow-up and for the unusual feature of new developing skin lesion during the course of the disease.…”

Clinical Aspects of the Oral Cavity in Patients with Psoriasis: An Initial Study and a Proposal of a New Evaluation Method

“…Furthermore, we believe that it would be useful to use a specific scale, that we named OPASI (Oral Psoriasis Area and Severity Index), to determine the oral lesion severity and to monitor their clinical trend. On this basis, we believe that more studies with a large number of patients will be needed to reach a significant statistical data on the association of the two conditions (36)(37)(38)(39)(40).…”

Pharmacological Management of Pediatric Kerion Celsi

“…In children, maybe due to a peculiar immune system, and in pathological conditions (13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18), treatment of Microsporum infections of the scalp can be difficult, and long-standing tinea capitis may lead to severe scarring alopecia with great discomfort for the young patients and their parents. We present this case because M gypseum is an uncommon etiologic agent oftinea capitis and to highlight that griseofulvin remains the best therapeutic choice, especially in aggressive cases that are not well controlled with pulsed therapy.…”