Efficacy and safety of tarcrolimus cream 0.1% in the treatment of vitiligo.
BACKGROUND
Vitiligo is an acquired, pigmentary skin disorder which is disfiguring and difficult to treat. Phototherapy and application of topical corticosteroids are most commonly prescribed. However, these therapies are often not effective and use of corticosteroids on the face may lead to cutaneous atrophy, telangiectasia, and ocular complications.


OBJECTIVE
We sought to assess the efficacy of topical tacrolimus ointment in the treatment of vitiligo.


METHODS
A prospective pilot study was performed of 30 patients with vitiligo. Patients were treated with tacrolimus ointment for at least 4 months. Clinical responses were documented during clinic visits, and by pretacrolimus and post-tacrolimus photography.


RESULTS
Twenty-five (83.3%) patients showed some repigmentation at the end of 4 months. Patients with vitiligo for more than 5 years also responded well to tacrolimus ointment. Repigmentation in active vitiligo was superior to that in stable vitiligo. 80% of patients with segmental vitiligo of the head and neck showed some response to tacrolimus, but there was no statistical significance between segmental and vulgaris vitiligo. The mean percentage of repigmentation on the head and neck was greater than that on the trunk and extremities. Four patients initially experienced burning on application.


CONCLUSIONS
Topical tacrolimus ointment is an effective and well-tolerated alternative therapy for vitiligo especially involving the head and neck.
Xu
Ai-E
AE
Department of Dermatology, the Third Hospital of Hangzhou, Hangzhou, China. xuaiehz@msn.com
Zhang
Di-Min
DM
Wei
Xiao-Dong
XD
Huang
Bo
B
Lu
Liang-Jun
LJ
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D002648:Child; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; D004643:Emollients; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016559:Tacrolimus / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014820:Vitiligo / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D055815:Young Adult
D004643:Emollients; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D016559:Tacrolimus