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

Background: Although cryotherapy has been reported as atechnique for depigmenting residual pigmented patches inpatients with universal vitiligo, Q-switched Nd-YAG lasershave not yet been used for this purpose. The aim of this studywas to compare the efficacy of cryotherapy with that of 532nmQ-switched Nd-YAG laser therapy for depigmentation in patientswith universal vitiligo.Method: Six adult patients (4 male and 2 female) with universalvitiligo and facial residual pigmented patches were treatedsimultaneously with cryotherapy on the right and the frequencydoubled532nm Q-switched Nd-YAG laser therapy on the leftside. The laser parameters used were spot size 3-5mm, frequencyrate 10 hertz, and the fluence was 5J/cm2. The cryo system wasa closed contact CO2 Cryo gun. The patients were scheduled tobe treated monthly.Result: The depigmentation was complete after three successivesessions of cryotherapy and 30-45 days after the last session, incomparison with simultaneous 30-70% depigmentation of the laserside. No scar or permanent sequellae developed on either side.Conclusion: Cryotherapy is more effective and fast-actingthan Q-switched Nd-YAG laser for depigmentation of residualpigmented patches in patients with universal vitiligo.