Treatment of Vitiligo With the 308-nm Xenon Chloride Excimer Laser

The study from 2002 focused on the use of the 308-nm xenon chloride (XeCl) excimer laser for treating vitiligo in six patients. Treatments were administered twice weekly, starting with an initial dose of 49.5 mJ/cm², which was increased incrementally. Out of the six patients, four completed the 6-month treatment, with repigmentation typically starting by the eighth week and varying rates of success; one patient achieved 95% repigmentation while another achieved less than 50%. The mean cumulative dose was 50.7 J/cm². Side effects were mild, including erythema and pruritus. The study concluded that the XeCl excimer laser is a promising and potentially preferable treatment for localized vitiligo.