Evaluation of Combination of Microneedling with Tacrolimus in the Treatment of Stable Vitiligo

Saurabh Sharma; Parwaaz Matharoo; Roopam Bassi

doi:10.29021/spdv.79.3.1336

Saurabh Sharma Department of Dermatology, Venereology & Leprosy. Sri Guru Ram Das Institute of Medical Sciences & Research, Amritsar, Punjab, India https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2808-136X
Parwaaz Matharoo Department of Dermatology, Venereology & Leprosy. Sri Guru Ram Das Institute of Medical Sciences & Research, Amritsar, Punjab, India https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0722-4659
Roopam Bassi Department of Physiology, Sri Guru Ram Das Institute of Medical Sciences & Research, Amritsar, Punjab, India https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8600-0818

DOI: https://doi.org/10.29021/spdv.79.3.1336

Keywords: Dry Needling, Tacrolimus, Vitiligo

Abstract

Introduction: Vitiligo is an amelanotic disorder that can manifest as localized patches to near total body depigmentation. It is considered a cosmetic disease but it is accompanied by extensive psychological effects. Multiple treatments have been tried until now but no single method has achieved the desired response. Tacrolimus is frequently used for vitiligo treatment with few adverse effects. Microneedling is a newer modality of therapeutic wounding that augments drug absorption. Combination of microneedling and tacrolimus have been tried to improve the repigmentation response in vitiligo. Our objective was to assess the safety and efficacy of this combined modality.

Methods: Forty patients were subjected to combination of tacrolimus 0.1% ointment and microneedling at 2 week intervals for maximum 10 sessions with a follow-up period of 6 months. Assessment was based on grading of repigmentation and clinical improvement according to vitiligo noticeability scale.

Results: Excellent repigmentation was observed in 30% cases. Improvement was significantly higher in lesions present on the head and neck. Mucosal vitiligo also showed good to excellent response. No severe side effects were reported. No complications or recurrences were observed during the follow-up period.

Conclusion: Combination of microneedling and tacrolimus was found to be safe and efficacious in the treatment of stable vitiligo.

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