A randomized, prospective pilot study for comparison of a triple combination of 2940 nm Er:YAG Laser and triamcinolone acetonide solution with either 308 nm excimer laser or 0.1% tacrolimus in treatment of stable segmental vitiligo

This study aimed to assess and compare the clinical efficacy and safety of a triple combination treatment using 2940 nm Er:YAG laser, triamcinolone acetonide solution combined with either 308 nm excimer laser or 0.1% tacrolimus for the treatment of stable segmental vitiligo. Patients with stable segmental vitiligo were randomly divided into two groups and received a 5-month treatment with 2940 nm Er:YAG laser followed by triamcinolone acetonide and, either 308 nm excimer laser (Group A, N = 8) or 0.1% tacrolimus (Group B, N = 13). General information and imaging data were collected before and at 1 month after treatments. Marked repigmentation and overall repigmentation rates were analyzed and any adverse skin reactions were recorded. Both treatments significantly reduced the percent of skin lesions per total body surface area (p < 0.05) and no significant differences in repigmentation were observed between the two groups (p > 0.05). The marked repigmentation rate of Group A was 42.11% and overall repigmentation rate was 94.74%, while for Group B these rates were 51.16% and 100%, respectively. There were no significant differences in the number of fingertip units at each time point (p > 0.05). While there was a significant effect for time on the number of fingertip units without considering other factors (p < 0.05), the time x treatment interaction was not significant (p > 0.05). One Group A patient developed adverse reactions consisting of erythema, burning sensation and blisters and one Group B patient developed mild erythema and burning sensations. Both treatments demonstrated a high level of efficacy and safety in the treatment of stable segmental vitiligo.