Effect Of Topical Prostaglandin F2α Analogs,Fractional CO2 Laser, Excimer Laser Or Their Combination In Treatment Of Vitiligo

The treatment of vitiligo has been a challenge for dermatologists. Recent reports have highlighted darkening of iris, and eyelashes and periocular hyperpigmentation induced by prostaglandin F2α analogues used for the treatment of glaucoma (as travoprost). Extrapolating these findings in the treatment of vitiligo. The beneficial effect of fractional CO2 laser on vitiligo is postulated to come from the release of cytokines and growth factors that act as mitogens for melanogenesis . The preceding laser also alters the skin barrier, which results in increased penetration of topical drugs and ultraviolet (UV) radiation. 308 nm excimer laser is a monochromatic, target type treatment and allows the delivery of higher fluences to the lesions and avoids damage to the surrounding normal skin resulting in a faster and more effective pigmentation with minimal side effects.