Comparing the efficacy of 308-nm light-emitting diode and 308-nm excimer lamp for treating vitiligo: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background: In previous studies, the 308-nm light-emitting diode (LED) has been proven safe and effective for treating vitiligo. However, direct comparisons between the 308-nm LED and 308-nm excimer lamp (308-nm MEL) for the treatment of vitiligo are lacking.

Objective: To compare the efficacy of the 308-nm LED and 308-nm MEL for treating nonsegmental stable vitiligo.

Patients and methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted between January 2018 and August 2023. Enrolled patients were randomly assigned to either the 308-nm LED or the 308-nm MEL groups, both receiving 16 treatment sessions. Adverse events that occurred during the treatment were documented.

Results: In total, 269 stable vitiligo patches from 174 patients completed the study. A total of 131 lesions were included in the 308-nm LED group, and 138 lesions were included in the 308-nm MEL group. After 16 treatment sessions, 38.17% of the vitiligo patches in the 308-nm LED group achieved repigmentation of at least 50% versus 38.41% in the 308-nm MEL group. The two devices exhibited similar results in terms of efficacy for a repigmentation of at least 50% (p = .968). The incidence of adverse effects with the two phototherapy devices was comparable (p = .522).

Conclusions: Treatment of vitiligo with the 308-nm LED had a similar efficacy rate to the 308-nm MEL, and the incidence of adverse effects was comparable between the two devices.

Keywords: 308 nm‐MEL; 308‐nm LED; phototherapy; vitiligo.