Holding onto Repigmentation in Vitiligo

Twice weekly applications of tacrolimus ointment 0.1% help maintain pigment in vitiligo patients after repigmentation treatments.

Various treatments can induce cosmetically acceptable repigmentation of vitiligo. Unfortunately, relapse is common. About 40% of repigmented lesions begin to lose pigmentation within 1 year. Treatment with tacrolimus ointment 0.1% applied twice weekly to repigmented plaques can help retain pigmentation.

The authors conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 78 consecutive patients with vitiligo. After repigmentation, 35 patients began to apply either tacrolimus ointment 0.1% or placebo on 2 nonconsecutive days each week for 24 weeks. One to four index lesions were observed with direct light and Wood's light by two physicians. Depigmentation was assessed by comparison with baseline photos and rated as follows: 0=no depi…

Reviewing Author

Mark V. Dahl, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory board Ulthera, Inc.; AuBio LifeSciences, LLC; Paris Therapeutics

Equity Elorac, Inc.; Makucell, Inc.; Paris Therapeutics

Editorial boards UpToDate

Leadership positions in professional societiesNational Rosacea Society (Chairman, Medical Board)