Nevus depigmentosus treated by melanocyte-keratinocyte transplantation

Background : Nevus depigmentosus is a congenital, nonprogressive hypopigmented disorder. Various therapeutic methods have been attempted to repigment nevus with variable results. Objective : The objective of this study is to report our experience of treatment of nevus depigmentosus with a combination of noncultured melanocyte-keratinocyte transplantation (MKTP) and excimer laser sessions. Materials and Methods : Six patients (male 1, female 5) of nevus depigmentosus were treated with a combination of noncultured melanocyte-keratinocyte transplantation and excimer laser. One patient was lost to follow-up. Remaining five patients were observed for a period ranging from 7 to 30 months. Results : Two patients responded poorly to MKTP. The remaining three patients responded with repigmentation ranging from 80% to 100% but the quality of repigmentation was unsatisfactory in two of them. Conclusion : Though repigmentation of nevus depigmentosus is possible by grafting techniques, the results are inconsistent and recurrence is possible.