Genital vitiligo treated by autologous, noncultured melanocyte-keratinocyte cell transplantation

Dermatol Surg. 2005 Dec;31(12):1737-9; discussion 1740. doi: 10.2310/6350.2005.31324.

Abstract

Background: Genital vitiligo is common and has a deleterious effect on the psychosexual function of patients. It is well known that glabrous skin (non-hair-bearing skin such as below the ankles, genitalia, lips, distal ends of fingers) rarely responds to the therapy unless it has some residual pigment.

Objective: The objective was to report genital vitiligo treated successfully by autologous, noncultured, melanocyte-keratinocyte cell transplantation.

Methods: Three cases of clinically stable genital vitiligo were treated by autologous, noncultured melanocyte-keratinocyte cell transplantation.

Results: All lesions treated repigmented almost completely. All patients were very satisfied with the excellent cosmetic results.

Conclusion: Autologous, noncultured melanocyte-keratinocyte cell transplantation may be an effective surgical treatment for management of genital vitiligo.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cell Transplantation / methods
  • Humans
  • Keratinocytes / transplantation*
  • Male
  • Melanocytes / transplantation*
  • Penis
  • Skin Transplantation / methods*
  • Transplantation, Autologous
  • Vitiligo / surgery*