BACKGROUND. Patients With vitiligo frequently have premature gray hair
. Until recently the literature was silent about its management. While
surgically treating vitiligo, we incidentally observed repigmentation
of gray hair. OBJECTIVE. Based on our observations we undertook this
study to see the effect of surgical treatment of vitiligo on repigment
ation of leukotrichia, as well as to evaluate the percentage of repigm
entation, if any, in the different hair-bearing areas, and the time ta
ken for it. METHODS. A case series of eight patients with nine patches
of localized, stable, and refractory vitiligo with leukotrichia of 3-
12 years duration is presented. The patients were followed up for 2-6
years. One patient was lost from follow-up after 2 months. The vitilig
o was treated by dermabrasion and thin split-thickness skin grafting u
nder local anesthesia, as outpatients. RESULTS. Repigmentation of the
hair occurred in all the areas but it was seen earlier (3 months) and
was move complete in the eyebrows (70-95%). In the scalp and the beard
areas it started later (6-9 months) and was around 50-60% only. The d
egree of pigmentation increased until about 3 years after surgery. No
complications in the form of graft loss or alopecia Were observed. CON
CLUSIONS. Partial to near-total repigmentation of leukotrichia can be
achieved surgically. Contrary to the present theory, we hypothesize th
at melanocytes also migrate from the repigmented epidermis to the hair
follicle, resulting in repigmentation of the hair.