A 2024 meta-analysis published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology suggests that combining fire needle therapy with a 308 nm excimer laser is both safe and effective for vitiligo treatment.
Vitiligo, a chronic skin condition causing pigment loss, often benefits from combination therapies to improve recovery and minimize side effects. The 2013 European Vitiligo Treatment Guidelines recommend such approaches, and the 308 nm excimer laser is widely regarded as a first-line option. Traditionally, it has been paired with treatments like topical corticosteroids, vitamin D3 analogues, calcineurin inhibitors, and tacrolimus.
Fire Needle Therapy’s Role
Fire needle therapy — a traditional technique involving heated needles — has been shown to stimulate inflammatory factors, activate melanocytes in hair follicles, and encourage melanocyte migration. These effects make it a potential partner for laser therapy in restoring skin pigmentation.
The Review and Findings
Researchers conducted a comprehensive literature search across PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and other databases. They included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) meeting specific criteria: a confirmed vitiligo diagnosis and evaluation of combined fire needle and excimer laser therapy.
In total, 10 RCTs involving 946 patients — all conducted in China — were analyzed. Results showed that the combined treatment significantly improved:
- Clinical effective rate
- Vitiligo Area Score Index (VASI)
- Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI)
- Serum T lymphocyte levels
Importantly, no serious complications were reported. Side effects were mild and temporary in both the combination and laser-only groups.
Limitations and Future Needs
The study had limitations, including the inability to blind participants due to the invasive nature of fire needles, lack of detailed demographic and disease history data, and a sample limited to Chinese patients. This raises questions about how well the findings apply to other populations.
The Takeaway
While more high-quality, large-scale studies are needed, current evidence points to fire needle therapy combined with a 308 nm excimer laser as a promising option for improving outcomes in vitiligo treatment — potentially giving patients better results than laser therapy alone.