Response of vitiligo to once‐ vs. twice‐daily topical tacrolimus: a controlled prospective, randomized, observer‐blinded trial

Abstract

Tacrolimus ointment appears to be an effective treatment option for facial vitiligo. A guarded prognosis is advisable for vitiliginous lesions on other localizations. Treatment must be applied twice daily for optimum response.

A combination of excimer laser treatment and topical tacrolimus is more effective in treating vitiligo than either therapy alone for the initial 6 months, but not thereafter

“…Cultured human melanocytes (Modern Cell & Tissue Technologies, Inc., Seoul, Korea) were maintained as previously described . Melanocytes were treated with 10 μmol/L tacrolimus, exposure to excimer laser (50 mJ/cm) or both of these treatments. All treatments were administered to melanocytes grown in bovine pituitary extract‐supplemented medium.…”

Current Management of Pediatric Vitiligo

“…Absorption through intact skin is felt to be very limited in patients with vitiligo and is limited even in pediatric atopic dermatitis where the skin barrier is impaired [46][47][48]. Twice-daily application is required for optimal results [49]. The theoretical black box warning of potential skin cancer and lymphoma risk recommends avoidance of usage under the age of 2 years and as a second-line agent to corticosteroids in atopic dermatitis; however, topical calcineurin inhibitors are deemed to be first-line treatment for facial vitiligo of childhood by the Vitiligo European Task Force [5].…”

Update on childhood vitiligo

“…Response rates seem to be higher on the head and neck than on the body, and response of facial segmental vitiligo is nearly universal (94%). Twice-daily application has been shown to be superior in efficacy to once-daily application [55,57 ]. Topical tacrolimus reduces cutaneous oxidative stress when used for a few months for vitiligo therapy [58 ].…”