Epidermal grafting after chemical epilation in the treatment of vitiligo

BACKGROUND. Vitiligo on hairy areas like the scalp and eyebrows is frequently associated with leukotrichia and repigmentation by photochemotherapy is usually difficult because of a deficient melanocyte reservoir. Although epidermal grafting to supply melanocytes is very effective for stable vitiligo, hair growth inhibits successful transfer of melanocytes from grafted epidermis in dense hair-bearing regions. OBJECTIVE. To investigate the effectiveness of preoperative chemical epilation to improve the results of epidermal graft by suction blister on hairy areas. METHODS. Two patients who had vitiligo with leukotrichia on the face and scalp were treated with epidermal grafting using suction blister after chemical epilation. Two weeks after the graft they were treated with topical psolaren plus ultraviolet A (PUVA) therapy. RESULTS. Epidermal grafting was performed successfully, and successful repigmentation of the skin with significant improvement of leukotrichia was observed in each of two patients. CONCLUSION. Chemical epilation followed by epidermal grafting is a safe, easy, and effective treatment for vitiligo affecting hairy regions.