Topical Tacrolimus and the 308-nm Excimer Laser

Narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy and 308-nm excimer laser in the treatment of vitiligo: A review

“…Location of lesions seems to be the best predictor of response: lesions on the face, 37,38,[40][41][42][44][45][46] neck, 38,40,41,[45][46] and trunk [40][41][42]44 respond to a greater extent than lesions on extremities. Lesions on hands and feet tend to have the least favorable prognosis.…”

“…[37][38][39][40][41][42][43][44][45][46][47][48][49][50] Sessions are performed 2 to 3 times a week for a period of 4 to 36 weeks. Repigmentation occurs faster with the thrice weekly treatment, but the ultimate rate of repigmentation seems to depend on the total numbers on sessions and not on their frequency.…”

“…In accordance with NB-UVB, topical tacrolimus 40,43 and calcipotriol 50 have also been assessed for a possible synergistic effect with excimer laser in the treatment of vitiligo.…”

“…36 The 308-nm excimer laser emits a monochromatic light of 308 nm and induces photobiological effects similar to NB-UVB. Several studies [37][38][39][40][41][42][43][44][45][46][47][48][49][50] have shown response of vitiligo patches to excimer laser and it has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of both vitiligo and psoriasis. Excimer laser permits the selective treatment of only lesional skin and ensures no unnecessary treatment of healthy skin.…”

New Insights and New Therapies in Vitiligo

“…Subsequently, a randomized prospective right/left comparison study was performed in 14 patients. 47 Twenty lesions were treated with excimer laser monotherapy and 23 lesions were treated with combination excimer laser phototherapy and topical tacrolimus 0.1% twice daily. Twenty percent of patients treated with excimer laser monotherapy achieved greater than 75% repigmentation.…”