Heal House Vitiligo Research 57 · Original Article
Is it safe for patients with vitiligo to receive cosmetic laser treatments?
Consensus on the safety and risks of laser and intense pulse light treatments in patients with vitiligo: An e-Delphi study
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In short
Even with vitiligo, it is not necessary to unconditionally avoid cosmetic laser or IPL procedures. However, caution is needed during the active phase of the disease. This is a consensus compiled by global experts.
Patients with vitiligo often wish to undergo hair removal laser or cosmetic skin procedures. However, there is concern that laser stimulation may trigger new white patches. As a result, doctors have also hesitated to recommend them. Without clear guidelines, responses varied from clinic to clinic. Therefore, vitiligo experts from multiple countries gathered. Using the Delphi method, they exchanged opinions several times to reach a common consensus on safety criteria, and I participated as a co-investigator in this discussion.
Q1 What is the Delphi consensus and why was this method used?
The Delphi method involves multiple experts providing anonymous opinions, then sharing the results and gradually narrowing down their views. This approach is particularly useful for topics where large clinical trials are difficult to conduct, such as laser procedures for vitiligo patients. It allows systematic collection of judgments from experienced experts. It avoids bias toward any single opinion and evenly incorporates the experiences of experts from various countries. This consensus was also reached through multiple rounds of opinion exchange, distilling principles that can be referenced in actual clinical practice.
Q2 So how should vitiligo patients decide about laser treatments?
The key point is not an absolute ban, but caution based on disease activity. If your vitiligo is stable and there are no recent signs of spreading, you can consider the procedure. However, if the disease is actively spreading, stimulation may trigger new lesions and requires caution. Experts recommend explaining the risks sufficiently before the procedure. If necessary, a test spot on a small area may also be recommended. Above all, each individual's condition is different. Before undergoing any procedure, it is safest to consult with a dermatologist who is familiar with your vitiligo status.
Closing remarks
Thanks to this consensus, the guidance has changed. Beyond saying "yes or no," we can now explain "under what conditions and with what precautions" based on evidence. It is especially reassuring that the experiences of experts from many countries around the world have converged in one direction. I participated as a co-investigator, and I hope this international consensus will serve as a good guide for clinical practice in Korea as well.
