ABSTRACT
Laser therapy is becoming popular in the treatment of vitiligo and is primarily designed as a targeted therapy for resistant cases. Monochromatic excimer laser is the most frequently used device. Perifollicular pigment takes place because of activation and migration of dormant melanocytes. Ablative lasers cause therapeutic wounding and regenerate de novo hair follicles as well as increase the penetration and efficiency of UV radiation.
Helium-neon laser is a relatively new option that stimulates the differentiation of melanocytes by enhanced integrin expression. Residual pigmentation can be unsightly in patients with universal vitiligo, and fractional Co2 lasers can be employed to achieve depigmentation.
