Dihydroxyacetone: a safe camouflaging option in vitiligo.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Most treatment protocols for vitiligo usually do not result in complete repigmentation. Therefore, cosmetically acceptable camouflage, low cost and easy to handle alternatives are warranted.

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the efficacy of low-cost self-tanner available in the Thai market in normal subjects with skin types III, IV, and V, and the efficacy for camouflage of 6% dihydroxyacetone (DHA) cream in the treatment of vitiligo on exposed areas of Asian skin.

METHODS:

The study was divided into two parts. Part 1 is a prospective study of 15 healthy volunteers using three different DHA creams which were available in the Thai market with concentrations of 3.5%, 4.2%, and 5%. Part 2 was a retrospective study of 20 patients suffering from vitiligo affecting the face and/or hands and feet who were treated with 6% DHA. The data were collected through direct examination, telephone interview, face-to-face interview, and photographs.

RESULTS:

In healthy volunteers, we found that color matching was achieved by using a higher concentration of DHA in darker-skin subjects. Most of the vitiligo patients (88.9%) reported moderate to marked satisfaction with the cosmetic results of 6% DHA cream.

CONCLUSION:

Dihydroxyacetone offers a safe and effective therapeutic option for recalcitrant vitiligo. Dark-skin subjects need a higher concentration of DHA cream than lighter-skin subjects.

• Authors: Natta Rajatanavin, Suthida Suwanachote, Suthinee Kulkollakarn
• Journal: International journal of dermatology (Int J Dermatol) Vol. 47 Issue 4 Pg. 402-6 (Apr 2008) ISSN: 1365-4632 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 18377610 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Cosmetics
• Dermatologic Agents
• Dihydroxyacetone

Topics

• Administration, Topical
• Adolescent
• Adult
• Aged
• Child
• Cosmetics (administration & dosage)
• Dermatologic Agents (administration & dosage)
• Dihydroxyacetone (administration & dosage)
• Female
• Humans
• Interviews as Topic
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Patient Satisfaction (statistics & numerical data)
• Prospective Studies
• Retrospective Studies
• Skin (pathology)
• Skin Pigmentation
• Vitiligo (pathology, psychology, therapy)