The effect of simplified autologous melanocyte and keratinocyte grafting on the treatment of refractory vitiligo

INTRODUCTION

Vitiligo is a disease with a high prevalence and burden that has a negative impact on various aspects of life. Because most cases of vitiligo are not responsive to medical treatment, we performed simplified autologous melanocyte and keratinocyte grafting to treat refractory stable vitiligo.

METHODS

This interventional study was carried out on 32 patients (16 females and 16 males). After local anesthesia at the donor site, we shaved the donor sites to harvest autologous melanocyte material. The harvested paste-like non-trypsinized material was spread over the abraded recipient area. Patient follow-up was performed to track the treatment outcome and possible complications.

RESULTS

Out of 32 patients with 99 lesions, the generalized type accounted for 28 (87.5%) patients, and 46 (46.5%) lesions were seen in the upper extremity as the most common clinical type and site of involvement. Eighteen (18.2%) and 26 (26.3%) patches showed excellent and good re-pigmentation, respectively, and face areas showed significantly better re-pigmentation (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Simplified autologous melanocyte and keratinocyte grafting is a safe, simple, office-based, and low-cost procedure with a modest re-pigmentation outcome in refractory stable vitiligo. Moreover, the face area had a satisfactory outcome with this procedure.

Well-Circumscribed Localized-Rhinophyma as a Very Rare Presentation of Rhinophyma

INTRODUCTION

Rhinophyma is an uncommon subtype of rosacea, the clinical diagnosis of which is straightforward. However, localized, especially well-circumscribed, rhinophyma is a very rare condition, which requires a paraclinical assessment to be accurately diagnosed.

CASE REPORT

We report a 48-year-old male patient who presented with a well-circumscribed and dark red tumoral mass of 28 mm in diameter and smooth consistency in the right nasal ala. The patient had no former and concomitant characteristic skin lesions on the other part of his face. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry assessments documented the diagnosis of rhinophyma.

CONCLUSION

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of well-circumscribed localized rhinophyma. This lesion can be treated by CO₂ laser in a fast and efficient manner with esthetically satisfactory outcome and no significant complications.