Vitiligo, Red Light and Repigmentation

Abstract

Vitiligo is an autoimmune skin disease, affecting 0.5% of the world population. It is quite invalidating psychologically, because of the appearance of visible white zones of depigmentation, especially when situated on the face, neck, arms, etc.

It is associated with melanocyte destruction; the cells producing and storing melanin pigment. It is actually known to be a CD8T cell-mediated autoimmune disease, involving innate immune cells, keratinocytes and fibroblasts.

The melanin produced defines hair and skin color. Once it has come to maturation, it is transferred to keratinocytes via dendritic expansions of the melanocyte by phagocytosis. Once in the keratinocyte, it forms a supranuclear cap and protects us against UV irradiation.

A tenfold of patients with segmental type of vitiligo have been treated successfully with LED red light, for at least sixteen weeks, one session a week. Evaluation of melanin concentration was effectuated with a 3D Antera camera. Almost all patients showed partial, if not complete, recovery and repigmentation of the deserted areas. Parameters of treatment sessions will be indicated.

Red light (630 nm) also has the capacity to stimulate the melanocyte-hair unit and repigment white hair. A brief comparison of the melanocyte-skin and the melanocyte-hair follicle unit will be discussed.

Trying to understand the effect of red light on these cells and the mechanisms of action, including melanocyte migration and melanin production, are very important for developing new treatment options in this field.

LED red light is safe, painless, and offers a satisfactory treatment option for vitiligo. Studies of a larger scale should be performed.