Melanocyte transfer via epidermal grafts for vitiligo of labial mucosa

Physiologic pigmentation of labial mucosa is seen regularly in dark-skinned races. Vitiligo of nonkeratinized labial mucosa is often visible while talking and is a cosmetic problem. Medical therapies are not effective, and surgical therapies have not been tried for this site.

To study the efficacy of melanocyte transfer through contact of intact epidermal grafts with abraded labial mucosa.

Seven patients (five females and two males, age range from 17 to 29) with vitiligo of labial mucosa with or without involvement of vermilion were included in the study. Affected labial mucosa was dermabraded, and suction blister grafts were transferred over these areas. After 7 days, both dressing and grafts were removed, and photochemotherapy was started.

Excellent color match and repigmentation were seen in all patients after 4 to 6 weeks.

The proposed modification in a well-established procedure of epidermal grafting is safe and effective. It is less time consuming and simpler than melanocyte culture, although the results are equivalent. There is no actual trans-plantation of keratinized skin, as it was removed.