Small-sized lesions of childhood vitiligo treated by autologous epidermal grafting

Abstract

Background: Currently many children and adolescents with vitiligo fail to respond to traditional medical treatment. However, their parents want the lesion to be removed as soon as possible. Although surgical therapies are viable alternatives in refractory and stabilized vitiligo, there are rare reports on surgical therapies for childhood vitiligo. Objective: To assess the effectiveness and feasibility of using suction blister epidermal grafting for small-sized childhood vitiligo. Methods: Twenty children with small-sized lesions of stable vitiligo were treated using epidermal grafts and followed-up for 6–12 months. Results: After 6–12 months of follow-up, treatment outcomes were excellent in 17 patients (85%), good in two patients (10%), and poor in one patient (5%), out of a total of 20 patients. The mean repigmentation rate was 88.55%. The location of the lesions was probably a factor in determining the outcomes of transplantation. No scar formation or other complications were observed in any patients. Conclusion: Suction blister autologous epidermal grafting is a rapid, safe, and effective treatment for stable childhood vitiligo, especially in refractory and stable children with small-sized lesions.