The Efficacy of DuaLight(TM) Treatment for Localized Vitiligo

Kim, Jung Wook; Kim, Sang Hyun; Lee, Deborah; Lee, Sang Seok; Park, Sung Wook; Hwang, Seon Wook

Abstract

BACKGROUND
DuaLight(TM) is a recently developed phototherapeutic device that is used for targeted phototherapy. However, the efficacy of DuaLight(TM) therapy for vitiligo has not been evaluated nor has it been reported on in the Korean medical literature.
OBJECTIVE
This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of DuaLight(TM) therapy for treating localized vitiligo and we wanted to determine the clinical parameters that could affect the therapeutic outcome.
METHODS
Eighty-three lesions from thirty-eight patients were treated by using DuaLight(TM) once or twice a week. The repigmentation grade of each treated lesion was evaluated on a 5-point scale from 0 (no repigmentation), 1 (1~24%), 2 (25~49%), 3 (50~74%), to 4 (75~100%).
Results
Thirty-four lesions of the 83 lesions (40.9%) improved to 50% repigmentation after DuaLight(TM) therapy. The clinical parameters that affected the therapeutic outcome were the lesions' anatomical location and the clinical subtype of vitiligo. Yet a history of previous treatment and the skin type did not affect the therapeutic result. Perilesional hyperpigmentation (47.4%) was the most common side effect, but the other adverse effects were limited and transient.
CONCLUSION
DuaLight(TM) therapy is an effective, safe therapeutic modality for localized vitiligo. However, similar to other non-surgical therapeutic modalities, the therapeutic outcome is mainly dependent on the anatomical location.