308-nm excimer lamp with 0.03% tacrolimus ointment is safe and effective to treat children with non-segmental vitiligo

Introduction
A 308-nm excimer lamp combined with topical medicines has been used to treat vitiligo. However, few studies have evaluated its efficacy and influencing factors in children.

Aim
We investigated the clinical effects and factors influencing the effectiveness of a 308-nm excimer lamp combined with 0.03% tacrolimus ointment in treating children with non-segmental vitiligo.

Material and methods
A retrospective interventional case-series study was performed on 73 patients with non-segmental vitiligo treated with combination therapy. The duration of treatment ranged from 1 to 24 months, and the total number of treatments ranged from 4 to 78 sessions. We evaluated different treatment factors, including the number of treatments with a 308-nm excimer lamp, location, dose, disease course, and adverse reactions.

Results
Overall, 105 leukodermas were treated: 36.2% had disappeared completely. The efficiency rate was 81.9% after a median treatment duration of 10.5 months. The treatment was most effective for the face and neck. Patients with a short disease duration showed a better response (disease duration shorter than 12 months). Reported adverse reactions were mild.

Conclusions
Treatment using a 308-nm excimer lamp and 0.03% tacrolimus ointment is a safe and valuable treatment for children with non-segmental vitiligo.