Publication:

Efficacy of ultrathin epidermal grafting followed by narrow band ultraviolet B therapy for stable vitiligo: a novel therapy

Background Different surgical techniques in the form of tissue or cellular grafting procedures are used alone or in combination with narrow band ultraviolet B (NBUVB) to treat stable vitiligo resistant to medical treatment. The aim of the study was to assess the cosmetic results obtained with combination therapy of ultrathin split-thickness skin grafts and adjuvant NBUVB therapy in resistant, stable vitiligo.

Methods Forty patients of stable vitiligo were treated with ultrathin split-thickness grafting and the patients were then put on NBUVB therapy. Extent of repigmentation and final cosmetic outcome at the recipient as well as donor sites were assessed.

Results The initial evidence of repigmentation was noted in the second week after starting NBUVB. Results showed 85% of patients had more than 90% repigmentation and the overall cosmetic results at the recipient site was good to excellent in 90% patients at the end of NBUVB treatment. Perigraft halo of depigmentation was seen in five patients (12%) on the recipient site. Hypertrophic scarring was seen in two patients at the donor site.

Conclusions Ultrathin split-thickness skin grafting, when combined with NBUVB therapy, leads to better cosmetic outcome with faster onset of repigmentation in resistant and stable vitiligo.