17/02/2026
This review underscores the potential of visible light therapy to achieve both repigmentation and depigmentation outcomes in vitiligo. In segmental and non-segmental vitiligo, the He–Ne laser can successfully be employed as a low-energy repigmentation phototherapy, as evidenced by multiple studies reporting repigmentation rates of at least 50%, with some study subjects achieving full repigmentation. On the opposite end of the visible light spectrum, blue light therapy emerges as another encouraging avenue for repigmentation, with one small study reporting full repigmentation in nearly 75% of its subjects. Blue light therapy exhibits a higher risk for local skin irritation, although the clinical significance of this increased risk needs to be further explored. While these data on the timeliness and overall repigmentation rates for the He–Ne laser and blue light are highly encouraging, the sample sizes in the identified studies were limited, restricting the generalizability of the results. Moreover, between studies, there is variation in area of body treated, total surface area treated, criteria for patient enrollment, frequency of treatment, and length of treatment that further limits generalizability. For depigmentation, visible light-based methods such as the QSRL and FD Nd:YAG laser are effective modalities with relatively low risks for irritation or adverse skin effects. Modern practice is shifting toward utilizing newer visible light Q-switched and picosecond lasers such as the alexandrite laser, replacing QSRLs. However, the efficacy of these newer lasers for depigmentation treatment in vitiligo requires further exploration. While current data are encouraging, further research is needed to identify which patients are likely to respond to visible light therapy, establish ideal and standardized power settings and treatment frequencies, and characterize the long-term outcomes of these therapies. Collecting more high-quality data will enhance our understanding of h
