Combination Therapy of 308 nm Excimer Light and Red Light for Refractory Vitiligo: A Case Report

BACKGROUND: Vitiligo is a chronic autoimmune skin disorder characterized by depigmented macules and patches due to melanocyte destruction. Traditional therapies include topical corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, phototherapy, and systemic immunomodulators. OBJECTIVE: There is growing interest in alternative and adjunctive light-based therapies, such as 308 nm excimer light and red light, for promoting repigmentation and modulating the immune response. METHODS: We report the case of a 37-year-old male patient with non-segmental vitiligo, affecting the arm and hands, who demonstrated significant repigmentation following treatment with 308 nm excimer light and 635 nm red light therapy. RESULTS: The patient had a 3-year history of vitiligo and had previously been unresponsive to topical treatment and 308 nm excimer light monotherapy. However, with the combination of 308 nm excimer light and red light, gradual repigmentation was observed over 3 months. The patient tolerated the therapy well with no adverse effects. CONCLUSION: This case suggests that the combination of 308 nm excimer light and red light therapy may offer a promising treatment option for vitiligo.