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Depigmentation therapy with Q-switched ruby laser after tanning in vitiligo universalis
1Department of Dermatology, Chosun University Hospital, Gwangju, Korea. yjkim@mail.chosun.ac.kr
Background:
In vitiligo universalis, repigmentation therapy is seldom effective. Besides, bleaching cream which is often used in depigmentation therapy may lead to several serious complications.
Objective:
Q-switched (QS) ruby laser can destroy melanosomes in melanocytes and keratinocytes by selective photothermolysis.
Methods:
We have attempted to destroy melanocytes by using the QS ruby laser after tanning in a patient with extensive vitiligo.
Results:
The patient had excellent results with no evidence of repigmentation after 1 year.
Conclusion:
Depigmentation therapy with QS ruby laser after tanning is an effective and safe way of removing remnants of normal pigmentation in patients with vitiligo universalis.