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.