Efficacy of topical tacrolimus 0.03% ointment in combination with microneedling versus topical phenytoin 2% cream in combination with microneedling for the treatment of non-segmental facial vitiligo

Abstract

Aim of the study

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of microneedling combined with tacrolimus 0.03% ointment versus microneedling combined with phenytoin 2% cream in the treatment of non-segmental facial vitiligo.

Materials and methods

This was a prospective single-blinded randomized clinical trial conducted on a total of 40 patients with non-segmental facial vitiligo, who were distributed into two groups (each of 20 patients); group I (n = 20) were treated with microneedling combined with tacrolimus 0.03% ointment and group II (n = 20) treated with microneedling combined with phenytoin 2% cream. The approach was conducted for another time every 14 days for all cases for over a period of 6 months, then the cases were followed up for three months following the termination of the treatment sessions.

Results

There were no statistically significant differences recorded between both groups in regard to all demographic data and disease characteristics (P > 0.05). As regards to clinical improvement, microneedling combined with tacrolimus 0.03% ointment was associated with a superior improvement compared to microneedling combined with phenytoin 2% cream, nevertheless, this improvement was not statistically significant. Also, microneedling combined with tacrolimus was associated with a higher patient satisfaction compared to microneedling combined with phenytoin 2% cream, however, this improvement was not associated with statistical significance.

Conclusion

Our results provide additional evidence for the potential positive role of phenytoin as a therapeutic option in patients with non segmental vitiligo. However, tacrolimus 0.03% ointment combined with microneedling was associated with a better response than phenytoin 2% cream combined with microneedling.