Topical immunomodulators are effective for treatment of vitiligo.

Abstract

Vitiligo is a common, acquired, depigmenting disease of the skin. Although the pathogenesis of vitiligo is still unclear, it is postulated that topical immunomodulators exert therapeutic effects on treatment of vitiligo. We reviewed the treatment of vitiligo with topical immunomodulators and topical steroids to evaluate the efficacy of immunomodulators in treatment of vitiligo. We reviewed 52 patients treated with topical immunomodulators and 27 patients with topical steroids. To evaluate the efficacy, repigmentation of vitiligo was reviewed. Between the two treatments, the duration from the start of treatment to onset of repigmentation was significantly shorter in the topical immunomodulator group (P = 0.002). However, no statistically significant differences were found in sex, age, mean disease duration, sites of vitiligo lesion and ratio of patients who showed response. We may suggest topical immunomodulator as an alternative to topical steroids for treatment of vitiligo.

• Authors: Chong Won Choi, Sung Eun Chang, Hana Bak, Jee Ho Choi, Hyun Sun Park, Chang Hun Huh, Chan Woong Kim, Sung Eun Kim, Seog Kyun Mun, Beom Joon Kim, Myeung Nam Kim
• Journal: The Journal of dermatology (J Dermatol) Vol. 35 Issue 8 Pg. 503-7 (Aug 2008) ISSN: 0385-2407 [Print] England
• PMID: 18789070 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Glucocorticoids
• Immunologic Factors
• Ointments
• pimecrolimus
• Tacrolimus

Topics

• Administration, Topical
• Adolescent
• Adult
• Aged
• Child
• Child, Preschool
• Female
• Glucocorticoids (administration & dosage)
• Humans
• Immunologic Factors (administration & dosage)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Ointments
• Retrospective Studies
• Tacrolimus (administration & dosage, analogs & derivatives)
• Treatment Outcome
• Vitiligo (drug therapy)