Epidermal grafting after chemical epilation in the treatment of vitiligo

BACKGROUND. Vitiligo on hairy areas like the scalp and eyebrows is frequent ly associated with leukotrichia and repigmentation by photochemotherapy is usually difficult because of a deficient melanocyte reservoir. Although epi dermal grafting to supply melanocytes is very effective for stable vitiligo , hair growth inhibits successful transfer of melanocytes from grafted epid ermis in dense hair-bearing regions. OBJECTIVE. To investigate the effectiveness of preoperative chemical epilat ion to improve the results of epidermal graft by suction blister on hairy a reas. METHODS. Two patients who had vitiligo with leukotrichia on the face and sc alp were treated with epidermal grafting using suction blister after chemic al epilation. Two weeks after the graft they were treated with topical psol aren plus ultraviolet A (PUVA) therapy. RESULTS. Epidermal grafting was performed successfully, and successful repi gmentation of the skin with significant improvement of leukotrichia was obs erved in each of two patients. CONCLUSION. Chemical epilation followed by epidermal grafting is a safe, ea sy, and effective treatment for vitiligo affecting hairy regions.