A Pilot Study to Determine the Safety and Efficacy of Monochromatic Excimer Light in the Treatmentof Vitiligo

Background and Objective: According to a European pilot study, the 308-nanometer (nm) Excilite μâ„¢ (DEKA, Florence, Italy) system may be a promising tool for patients with vitiligo by offering targeted phototherapy, a rapid onset of repigmentation, and few adverse effects. The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of the 308-nm Excilite μ in the treatment of vitiligo.

Methods and Limitations: Ten patients with stable vitiligo were exposed to 10 weeks of targeted phototherapy with the Excilite μ device, followed by 5 weeks of observation. Skin types 1 and 2 were not included in the cohort, and Wood’s light examination was not documented.

Results: At 2 weeks, repigmentation was observed in 60% of the subjects, according to patient assessment, and 50% of the subjects, according to the treating physician and independent observer assessments. All patients maintained the repigmentation during the 5-week, follow-up period.

Conclusion: The 308-nm Excilite μ is a safe and fast-acting therapeutic option in patients with stable vitiligo and skin types 3 through 6.