Dihydroxyacetone in a new formulation--a powerful therapeutic option in vitiligo.
BACKGROUND
Most treatment protocols for vitiligo require a long treatment duration and usually do not result in complete repigmentation. Therefore, cosmetically acceptable and easily to handle alternatives are warranted.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the properties of dihydroxyacetone (DHA) in a new formulation for the treatment of vitiligo on exposed areas.


METHODS
We treated 10 patients suffering from vitiligo affecting the face and/or hands with a newly introduced, commercially available self-bronzing cream containing DHA 5%. DHA was applied every second day.


RESULTS
The characteristic pigmentation showed very satisfactory cosmetic results in 8 out of 10 patients after 2 weeks of treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
The new DHA formulation is a practical and well-accepted treatment modality.
Fesq
H
H
Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Biederstein, Technical University, Munich, Germany. h.fesq@lrz.tu.muenchen.de
Brockow
K
K
Strom
K
K
Mempel
M
M
Ring
J
J
Abeck
D
D
D003358:Cosmetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004098:Dihydroxyacetone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004304:Dosage Forms; D006801:Humans; D014820:Vitiligo / Q000628:therapy*
D003358:Cosmetics; D004304:Dosage Forms; D004098:Dihydroxyacetone