A pilot study to determine the safety and efficacy of monochromatic excimer light in the treatment of vitiligo

J Drugs Dermatol. 2008 Mar;7(3):258-63.

Abstract

Background and 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.

Conclusion: The 308-nm Excilite mu is a safe and fast-acting therapeutic option in patients with stable vitiligo and skin types 3 through 6.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pilot Projects
  • Radiotherapy Dosage
  • Skin / pathology
  • Skin Pigmentation / radiation effects
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Ultraviolet Therapy* / adverse effects
  • Ultraviolet Therapy* / methods
  • Vitiligo / pathology
  • Vitiligo / radiotherapy*