Epidermal curettage technique (ECT) for tissue harvest from the donor area for melanocyte autologous grafting in cases of vitiligo

ABSTRACT

Vitiligo is a dermatosis requiring complex treatment. In clinically stable cases, melanocyte autologous grafting has shown good results, using different methodologies for obtaining the donor area: dermatomes, punches, blisters. However, these techniques are complex and require specific instruments. This study presents a simple technique for melanocyte harvest that has been performed in our service for more than ten years and includes epidermal curettage of the donor area, grafting of the obtained material, which was homogenized with saline or hyaluronic acid, on the achromic area, and the application of a semipermeable dressing that is removed 1 week later.