Cryotherapy is more effective and faster than Q-switched Nd-YAG laser for depigmentation in universal vitiligo patients

Background: Although cryotherapy has been reported as a technique for depigmenting residual pigmented patches in patients with universal vitiligo, Q-switched Nd-YAG lasers have not yet been used for this purpose. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of cryotherapy with that of 532nm Q-switched Nd-YAG laser therapy for depigmentation in patients with universal vitiligo. Method: Six adult patients (4 male and 2 female) with universal vitiligo and facial residual pigmented patches were treated simultaneously with cryotherapy on the right and the frequencydoubled 532nm Q-switched Nd-YAG laser therapy on the left side. The laser parameters used were spot size 3-5mm, frequency rate 10 hertz, and the fluence was 5J/cm2. The cryo system was a closed contact CO2 Cryo gun. The patients were scheduled to be treated monthly. Result: The depigmentation was complete after three successive sessions of cryotherapy and 30-45 days after the last session, in comparison with simultaneous 30-70% depigmentation of the laser side. No scar or permanent sequellae developed on either side. Conclusion: Cryotherapy is more effective and fast-acting than Q-switched Nd-YAG laser for depigmentation of residual pigmented patches in patients with universal vitiligo.