Clinical Evaluation of Using Low Level Laser and Incoherent Light Source in the Treatment of Vitiligo

Abstract

Vitiligo is an acquired pigmentary disorder of the skin and mucous membranes that is characterized by circumscribed, depigmented macules and patches. Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) is the use of low power visible and near-infrared monochromatic laser to enhance the body’s natural healing processes. The aim of the study is to evaluate new ways for treatment of vitiligo using low level laser (675 nm) and conventional light, then to compare the results of both of them. This is a prospective clinical descriptive intervention study conducted during the period from Oct 2009 to Jan 2015. The study was conducted at the Institute of Laser, Sudan University of Science and Technology. Thirty nine patients were involved in this study, seventeen of them received incoherent light treatment, and twenty two of them received laser treatment. Thirty nine patients were treated by the Omega Xp Mobile low level laser in this study. Two probes of the Omega Xp device were used, the first probe emitting red laser in a wavelength of 675 nm and 30 mW power, and the other probe containing cluster of 60 light emitting diodes (LED) combined together and emitting incoherent light of different wavelengths (660 nm, 810 nm , 940 nm, 880 nm, 850 nm) at once. The majority of patients treated by incoherent light (64.71%) showed good repigmentation response, while the majority of patients treated by laser (50.00%) showed very good repigmentation response. Five patients showed delayed repigmentation response after stopping the treatment. From our study, we can conclude that the low level laser probe of 675 nm and the 60 diode cluster probe are very effective and safe in treatment of vitiligo. It’s recommended to use an incoherent light for the treatment of focal and generalized vitiligo, while a laser for treatment of acrofacial and focal vitiligo