title: The therapeutic effects of a topical tretinoin and corticosteroid combination for vitiligo: a placebo-controlled, paired-comparison, left-right study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Topical all-trans-retinoic acid (tretinoin) prevents skin atrophy induced by long-term use of topical corticosteroids, without abrogating their anti-inflammatory effects.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The goal of this study was to determine the efficacy of tretinoin plus topical corticosteroids (tretinoin plus) for repigmentation in patients with vitiligo.
  
  
  METHODS
  A placebo-controlled, paired-comparison, left-right study was conducted for a period of 6 months on tretinoin plus and the vehicle plus the same topical corticosteroid (vehicle plus) treatment in 50 patients diagnosed with generalized vitiligo. Clinical responses were assessed using the computerized analysis, and the results were compared with the visual analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The percentage agreement between the 2 analyses was 91.8%. Among 49 participants who successfully completed this study, 27 (55%) showed a better response to tretinoin plus than to vehicle plus. The improved response was noted at an early stage of treatment, during the first 3 months in 60% of patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Combined therapy with tretinoin plus topical corticosteroids is safe and effective and provides another option for treatment of patients with vitiligo.
authors: Department of Dermatology, Dongguk University Graduate School of Medicine, Goyang-si, South Korea.
authors: Hyok Bu
authors: HB
authors: Kwon
authors: Yunseok
authors: Y
authors: Choi
authors: Hwa Jung
authors: HJ
authors: Kim
authors: Ai-Young
authors: AY
authors: Lee
mesh_terms: D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007641:Keratolytic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012880:Skin Pigmentation / Q000187:drug effects; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014212:Tretinoin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014820:Vitiligo / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D007641:Keratolytic Agents; D014212:Tretinoin