Effectiveness of Fractional Erbium-YAG Laser, Microneedling, and Platelet-Rich Plasma in Localized Stable Vitiligo Patients: Randomized Clinical Trial

June 2024 in “ Archives of Dermatological Research ”

Soheir Abdel‐Hamid, Hassan Ibrahim, Aya M. Hameed, Eisa M. Hegazy

fractional erbium–YAG laser microneedling platelet-rich plasma vitiligo VASI scores Er:YAG laser PRP

From the encyclopedia

Microneedling →

technique to create small wounds in skin to activate collagen production and hair growth

Platelet-Rich Plasma →

growth factors taken from your blood and injected into your scalp to stimulate hair

Studysummary This study found that fractional Er:YAG laser combined with platelet-rich plasma resulted in greater skin repigmentation in patients with localized stable vitiligo compared to microneedling with platelet-rich plasma, with fewer side effects reported in the laser group.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

This randomized clinical trial evaluated the effectiveness of fractional Er:YAG laser-assisted delivery of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) versus microneedling (Mn) with PRP in 40 patients with localized stable vitiligo. Group A (20 patients) received fractional Er:YAG laser with PRP, while Group B (20 patients) received microneedling with PRP, with treatments every 2 weeks for 6 months. The fractional Er:YAG + PRP group showed superior repigmentation, with 100% achieving some level of pigmentation improvement, compared to 80% in the Mn + PRP group. VASI scores significantly decreased in both groups, indicating effective repigmentation. However, Group B experienced more side effects (25%) compared to Group A (5%). Overall, fractional Er:YAG laser combined with PRP was more effective and had fewer side effects than microneedling with PRP.

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Research cited in this study

3 / 3 results

research Prevalence and Burden of Vitiligo in Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America

23 citations , December 2023 in “Skin Health and Disease”

This study highlights a scarcity of data and treatment guidelines for vitiligo in Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America, emphasizing the need for regional epidemiological studies and tailored management approaches.

research Progress in the Use of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Aesthetic and Medical Dermatology

3 citations , August 2020 in “PubMed”

This review discusses the potential efficacy and applications of platelet-rich plasma in dermatology, highlighting its use in various skin conditions but reporting no new clinical results; the authors call for standardization of preparation and treatment methods.

Evaluation of the Efficacy of Transdermal Drug Delivery of Calcipotriol Plus Betamethasone Versus Tacrolimus in the Treatment of Vitiligo

research Evaluation of the Efficacy of Transdermal Drug Delivery of Calcipotriol Plus Betamethasone Versus Tacrolimus in the Treatment of Vitiligo

18 citations , July 2018 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

This study found that microneedling combined with calcipotriol plus betamethasone was more effective in treating vitiligo than microneedling with tacrolimus, particularly in difficult-to-treat areas.