Pimecrolimus cream in repigmentation of vitiligo

Abstract

Background: Vitiligo is a chronic disease that mostly affects children and young adults. Nowadays many treatment options are available; however, most of them have limited efficacy and in most cases would result in undesirable complications. Objective: To determine the extent of repigmentation according to the location of the lesions after applying topical cream pimecrolimus 1 in vitiligo patients. Materials and Methods: Thirty consecutive patients with vitiligo lesions affecting less than 20 of body surface area without any previous history of spontaneous repigmentation were treated with pimecrolimus cream 1 twice daily for 12 weeks. The extent of repigmentation in vitiligo lesions was determined in each patient after 6 and 12 weeks. Results: Moderate to excellent response (repigmentation >26) was observed in 6.6 and 25.9 of vitiligo lesions 6 and 12 weeks after treatment, respectively. More responsive lesions were located on the trunk, face and elbow (85.7, 75 and 70). Conclusion: Pimecrolimus cream 1 results in repigmentation in vitiligo in different extents according to the location of the lesion; however, to clearly prove its efficacy as monotherapy or in combination with other available treatment options, double-blind placebo-controlled studies are essential. Copyright © 2007 S. Karger AG