Keratinocyte-melanocyte graft technique followed by PUVA therapy for stable vitiligo.

Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol. 2008 Nov-Dec; 74(6): 622-4Kachhawa D, Kalla GBACKGROUND: Various surgical procedures for correcting stable vitiligo exist but these have their own limitations. Autologous, non-cultured, non-trypsinized, melanocyte plus keratinocyte grafting is a new and simple method of vitiligo surgery. OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to evaluate efficacy of a new grafting technique in vitiligo patches. METHODS: Eighteen vitiligo patches underwent this procedure. The upper layer of epidermis was removed by superficial dermabrasion using a dermabrader micromotor until the epidermis appeared wet and shiny. Then, antibiotic ointment was applied and dermabrasion was continued up to the whitish area of the upper dermis. The paste-like material (ointment with entangled epidermal particles) was collected and spread over the dermabraded recipient site. RESULTS: Pigmentation usually started at 4-6 weeks. Complete uniform pigmentation took 16-20 weeks. CONCLUSION: For smaller vitiligo patches this method gives cosmetically acceptable results. It is easy to perform and does not require specific laboratory setup.