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

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.