Action of topical mometasone on the pigmented halos of micrografting in patients with vitiligo

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Vitiligo is a prevalent skin pigmentation disorder worldwide. The treatments available still offer limited results to some patients. For patients with clinically stable vitiligo, melanocyte transplantation is an appropriate treatment option, and the technique of autologous punch grafting shows good repigmentation. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of topical mometasone on the halos of repigmentation after autologous punch grafting in patients with clinically stable vitiligo. METHODS: Between 2009 and 2010, 11 patients with clinically stable vitiligo (7 generalized, 2 focal and 2 segmental) underwent autologous punch grafting in the achromic patches. According to the clinical type of vitiligo, patients were instructed to use the corticosteroid ointment during 6 months, only on a few grafted lesions. In the first month, the mometasone ointment was used twice a day and after that just once. They were reassessed 1, 3 and 6 months after the procedure. Grafted halos were photographed and recorded using the software fotofinder. After 6 months, all the treated and untreated areas of the repigmentation halos were measured and analyzed comparatively. RESULTS: The median area of the repigmentation halos after 6 months of treatment with mometasone was larger (25,96 mm² ) than the one of the untreated halos (13,86 mm² ), showing a statistically significant difference (p = 0,026). CONCLUSION: In this study, the use of mometasone ointment increased the area of the repigmentation halos after punch grafting. However, this should be further investigated in larger samples in order to validate this positive action in the treatment of stable vitiligo.

Insights into the treatment strategies for hypopigmentation disorders by natural herbs: current updates and future prospects

“…There are certain adverse effects found with larger grafts such as cobblestoning which has been corrected with electro fulguration. Studies also proved that punch graft combined with NBUV or topical corticosteroid gives much better results [53,54].…”

Tissue regeneration: an overview from stem cells to micrografts

“…40,41 The micrografting approach can be also used for treatment of vitiligo by melanocyte transplant or autologous punch grafting, resulting in rapid and satisfactory pigmentation. 42,43 In recent years, a new clinical approach has been developed related to the micrografting concept, called "Rigenera micrografting technology" (Human Brain Wave LLC, Turin, Italy). The objective of this technology is to mechanically disaggregate autologous tissue, with a calibrated size of 80 mm, collecting autologous micrografts enriched in progenitor cells, growth factors, and particles of extracellular matrix derived from the patient's own tissue.…”

Vitiligo - Part 2 - classification, histopathology and treatment

“…50 Evidences also suggest that the association of PG with phototherapy (narrowband UVB) and topical corticosteroids may enhance therapeutic results for this technique. 51,52 …”