Clinical observation on therapeutic effect of filiform fire needle for vitiligo: A retrospective study

Vitiligo is a common and refractory disease worldwide. The limited efficiency and side effects of the conventional treatment options create demands towards the development of strategies. Excellent repigmentation is demonstrated after several filiform fire needle sessions in the vitiligo lesions. In this observational study, we aimed to observe the response to filiform fire needle therapy in patients with vitiligo, and determine whether there was a difference of efficiency with respect to the type, affected site, and disease duration of vitiligo. Patients received filiform fire needle therapy once every 2 weeks for 12 consecutive weeks. The results of the 77 vitiligo patients were: 34 (44.15%) with an excellent repigmentation rate, 15 (19.48%) with a marked improvement, 15 (19.48%) with a moderate response, 6 (7.79%) with a slight improvement, and 7 (9.09%) with an absent response. Among the vitiligo patients with different affected sites, the most effective location of therapy was the face. Shorter course leads to better therapeutic effect. Two patients developed hypertrophic scars on the lesion site. In conclusion, this study shows filiform fire needle therapy is an effective and relatively safe therapeutic option for vitiligo.