LAUSR

Discussion | Although narrow-band UV-B phototherapy is the most widely used treatment modality for patients with vitiligo, it is associated with unnecessary UV exposure to normal skin.3 Because a majority of patients have limited involvement of their body surface, targeted phototherapy including a 308-nm xenon chloride excimer laser (EL) has been considered the treatment of choice for localized vitiligo.4 In this study, we observed a marked response using a 311-nm TSL to treat patients with nonsegmental vitiligo on the face and neck. The initial response was fast, and the overall efficacy of the TSL treatment was comparable to that reported for EL treatment.5 The therapeutic mechanism of TSL would involve immune modulation and melanocyte stimulation, as in narrow-band UV-B and EL treatment.6 The 311-nm TSL has several advantages. It does not require the periodic gas charging that is crucial for EL maintenance. In addition, the 311-nm wavelength of TSL can penetrate deeper than the 308-nm wavelength of EL. The gain-switched 311-nm TSL is a promising option for treating vitiligo. Further research is needed, including clinical trials comparing EL and TSL.