Triple combination treatment with fractional CO2 laser plus topical betamethasone solution and narrowband ultraviolet B for refractory vitiligo: a prospective, randomized half-body, comparative study

• Published in: Dermatologic therapy Vol. 28; no. 3; pp. 131 - 134
• Main Authors: Li, Lu, Wu, Yan, Li, Li, Sun, Yan, Qiu, Li, Gao, Xing-Hua, Chen, Hong-Duo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.05.2015
• Subjects: Administration, Cutaneous; Adult; Betamethasone - administration & dosage; Betamethasone - adverse effects; Combined Modality Therapy; Female; Glucocorticoids - administration & dosage; Glucocorticoids - adverse effects; Humans; laser; Lasers, Gas - adverse effects; Lasers, Gas - therapeutic use; Male; Middle Aged; Patient Satisfaction; Pharmaceutical Solutions; Prospective Studies; Skin Pigmentation - drug effects; Skin Pigmentation - radiation effects; therapy-topical; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome; Ultraviolet Therapy - adverse effects; vitiligo; Vitiligo - diagnosis; Vitiligo - physiopathology; Vitiligo - therapy; Young Adult; laser; therapy-topical; vitiligo
• ISSN: 1396-0296; 1529-8019
• DOI: 10.1111/dth.12202

Vitiligo on extremities and/or bony prominences is very resistant to treatment. Twenty‐five patients with symmetrical and stable vitiligo on extremities and/or bony prominences were enrolled. The treatment side received fractional carbon dioxide laser followed by topical compound betamethasone solution and narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy. The control side received laser treatment plus phototherapy. The result of treatment side showed that 44% patients achieved over 50% re‐pigmentation and patient satisfaction score was 5.12 ± 3.23, higher than those of control (p < 0.05). Adverse events were slight and tolerable. The triple combination treatment could be used as an alternative modality for refractory vitiligo.