Follicular unit extraction technique in treating stable vitiligo with leukotrichia

Abstract

Background: There are several surgical modalities to repigment vitiligo patches, and follicular unit extraction (FUE) is one among them. This procedure is based on the concept of the presence of undifferentiated stem cells in the hair follicle which are a very good source of melanocytes. These melanocytes spread to the surrounding skin and repigment the epidermis. Materials and Methods: Three cases with few lesions of stable vitiligo over nonglabrous areas were treated with follicular unit grafts using the FUE method. Repigmentation in the vitiligo patches was assessed by subjective analysis. Results: Repigmentation was noticeable in all cases with an average duration of 3 weeks. Almost complete repigmentation was seen in all cases with an average duration of 7.3 weeks. Conclusion: FUE appears to be an effective method in treating vitiligo patches with leukotrichia.