<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Vitiligo, an acquired pigmentary disorder of skin and mucous membrane characterized by well circumscribed depigmented macules that occur secondary to selective destruction of melanocytes. Fractional CO<sub>2</sub> laser system is a recent advancement in the treatment of vitiligo which works on the concept of fractional photo-thermolysis, in which microscopic treatment zones are created which help in increasing the penetration of topically applied agent which indirectly improves drug efficacy.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> A comparative study was conducted on 40 patients of stable vitiligo attending OPD, Dept of DVL with fractional CO<sub>2</sub> laser, narrowband ultraviolet B (NBUVB) and topical tacrolimus 0.1% vs NBUVB, topical tacrolimus 0.1% for a duration of 4 months and patients were followed up for 12 weeks post treatment.<strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> Patients on Fractional CO<sub>2</sub> laser in combination with NBUVB and topical tacrolimus 0.1% ointment showed >50% improvement compared with other group, with duration for initiation of pigmentation being comparatively less.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> The treatment protocol with CO<sub>2</sub> laser in combination with topical tacrolimus 0.1% cream and NBUVB for stable vitiligo was more effective than NBUVB and topical tacrolimus 0.1% alone and this study demonstrates that adding fractional CO<sub>2</sub> laser improves repigmentation rate of vitiliginous lesions.</p>
A comparative study of fractional carbon dioxide laser, narrowband ultraviolet B and topical tacrolimus 0.1% ointment versus narrowband ultraviolet B, topical tacrolimus 0.1% ointment in stable vitiligo
