Efficacy of Topical Methotrexate with Fractional CO2 Laser Versus Topical Methotrexate Alone in Treatment of Non Segmental Vitiligo

The study is a prospective, within subject, self-controlled, randomized clinical trial conducted at the Department of Dermatology, Assiut University. Participants are patients aged 18-65 with stable non-segmental vitiligo, having comparable lesions on both sides of their body. They must not have received corticosteroid or phototherapy treatments in the last three months and must provide informed consent. Exclusion criteria include other skin diseases, pregnancy, severe organ dysfunction, compromised immune function, and skin type 1 with phototherapy allergy.

Intervention and Follow-Up One side of each participant's body will receive fractional CO2 laser combined with methotrexate 1% gel, while the other side will receive topical methotrexate alone, with treatments randomized to avoid bias. The laser therapy consists of four sessions at three-week intervals using specific parameters. Participants will be followed up for six months, with assessments at baseline, during treatment, and post-treatment.

Outcome Measures The primary outcome is the percentage of repigmentation, assessed through standardized digital photographs evaluated by blinded dermatologists. Secondary outcomes include safety evaluation, patient satisfaction, the pattern of repigmentation, the Vitiligo Area Scoring Index (VASI) score, and quality of life measured using a validated questionnaire.

Methods for Evaluation Photographs will be taken under Wood's lamp examination at baseline, before each treatment session, and two months after the final treatment. The efficacy will be evaluated by comparing pre- and post-treatment photographs. Safety and patient satisfaction will be assessed throughout the study period. The study aims to provide evidence on the effectiveness of combining fractional CO2 laser with topical methotrexate for vitiligo treatment.