title: Combination of microdermabrasion and 5-fluorouracil to induce repigmentation in vitiligo: an observational study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Treatment of resistant vitiligo is challenging. A few well-researched studies have shown variable results with surgical and other therapeutic strategies.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the usefulness of a less-painful method of repigmentation of vitiligo patches.
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty vitiligo patches in 22 consecutive patients with resistant vitiligo presenting at a vitiligo clinic of a university teaching medical school in New Delhi, India, were treated with microdermabrasion followed by topical 5% 5-fluorouracil (5-FU).
  
  
  RESULTS
  One-third of the patches showed more than 50% repigmentation, and one-fourth showed more than 75% repigmentation. Gratifying results were obtained in seven patches after a single session.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Microdermabrasion is adjunctive with topical 5% 5-FU in the treatment of resistant vitiligo patches. Further well-controlled randomized trials are required to validate the observations of the study. The authors have indicated no significant interest with commercial supporters.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi, India. drtarugarg@rediffmail.com
authors.forename: Taru
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Garg
authors.forename: Ram
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Chander
authors.forename: Arpita
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Jain
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003869:Dermabrasion; D005260:Female; D005472:Fluorouracil / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012880:Skin Pigmentation / Q000187:drug effects; D014820:Vitiligo / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D005472:Fluorouracil