Introduction: To investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of acombination of monochromatic 308-nm excimer
lamp therapy and topical tacrolimus for the treatment of pediatric vitiligo.
Materials and Method: A total of 37 vitiligo patches from 20 pediatric patients were included in the study.
Treatment consisted of 308-nm excimer light therapy administered twice weekly for a total of 20 sessions with
twice daily application of 0.03% tacrolimus cream. Demographic data, past medical history, treated areas, and
responses were recorded and evaluated, retrospectively. The treatment areas were grouped as follows: head and
neck, trunk, and upper and lower extremities. Treatment responses were clinically rated between 0 and 4 as
follows: 0, no pigmentation; 1, 1 to 25% pigmentation; 2, 26 to 50% pigmentation; 3, 51 to 75% pigmentation; and
4, >75% pigmentation.
Results:After 20 treatments, ≥ 75%, 51-75%, 26-50%, and 1-25% pigmentation was observed in 24%, 14%,
16%, and 27% of the 37 vitiligo patches, respectively. Tr ansient erythema lasting for less than 24 hours was
observed in 19% of the cases.
Conclusion: The tacrolimus and 308-nm excimer light therapy combination represent a safe and effective
alternative for the treatment of patients with pediatric vitiligo.
