Vitamin D supplementation can enhance therapeutic effects of excimer laser in patients with vitiligo

Abstract Purpose Vitiligo is a disease of acquired depigmentation characterized by the destruction of melanocytes. A theoretical association between low level of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and vitiligo has been previously suggested. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of intramuscular injection of cholecalciferol with excimer laser compared with the excimer laser alone for vitiligo treatment. Methods This study included 26 patients diagnosed with non‐segmental vitiligo and low serum 25(OH)D levels (<20 ng/mL). The participants were randomly divided into two groups through randomization. The treatment using a 308‐nm excimer laser was administered to both groups, and the study group additionally received cholecalciferol injection. Results The Vitiligo Area Scoring Index (VASI) scores showed an 83.6% improvement over the initial score in the study group, whereas the control group showed a 54.7% improvement after 6 months of treatment. After 6 months of treatment, the study group showed a significantly higher proportion of patients who achieved VASI50 and VASI75 compared with the control group. Conclusion Intramuscular injection of cholecalciferol can be a supplemental option for the treatment of vitiligo patients with vitamin D deficiency with excimer laser therapy.