Does Pimecrolimus Cream Enhance the Effect of Excimer Laser on Eyelid Vitiligo?

Vitiligo is a cutaneous disorder of pigmentation, for which, there are some proven modalities of treatment. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy ofthe addition of topical pimecrolimus to 308nm Excimer laser in reducing treatmentduration and improving the response rate of eyelid vitiligo, compared with 308nmExcimer laser monotherapy. Fifty two symmetrically localized lesions of eyelid vitiligo in 26 patientswere observed. Each of vitiliginous patches was treated with 308nm Excimer lasertwice a week for a total of 30 sessions. Topical pimecrolimus 1% cream was appliedto the patches of right eyelid(group A lesions) and eucerine cream as a placebo tothe left side patches(group B lesions)twice daily, throughout the study. Photographswere taken at baseline, 6 and 15 weeks after starting the treatment. Twenty two patients (44 lesions) completed the study. Repigmentation wasappeared in all (100%) of groups A and B lesions. A 75% or more repigmentationwas achieved in 17(78%) of group A versus 14 (64%) of group B lesions. Theaverage number of sessions needed for the appearance of repigmentation was 8 forgroup A lesions and 12 for group. The repigmentaion of 50% or more in patientswith disease duration of 2 years or less and those with more than 2 years durationere 100% and 59.2%, respectively. Repigmentation rate obtained by the combination therapy of eyelidvitiligo with 308nm Excimer laser and topical Pimecrolimus 1%cream is significantlyhigher, and obtained in fewer sessions in comparison with 308nm Excimer laser andplacebo combination therapy.