July 2012
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95 Reads
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2 Citations
Background: Although the treatment options of vitiligo have been increased during the last decades, therapy is still not satisfactory for many patients. Considering the autoimmune hypothesis of vitiligo pathogenesis, the use of topical calcineurin inhibitors seems reasonable. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of 0.1% Tacrolimus ointment in the treatment of vitiliginous lesions on the face Patients and Methods: This is an open therapeutic trial. A total of 50 patients with facial vitiligo were seen and studied in the Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Ramadi Teaching Hospital, Al-Anbar, Iraq from March 2010 February 2011. Patients asked to apply topical Tacrolimus) twice daily for three months then follow up 3 months with weekly application with regular visit each month to estimate the area of reduction and record the side effect. Results: All patients' ages were at least 15 years old with stable vitiligo, (38 females and 12 males). In 85 (70.8%) of 120 treated patches marked repigmentation (Grade III) was noted after 6 months treatment. Side effects were mild burning like sensation at the application site. Conclusion: Facial vitiligo can be successfully treated with topical tacrolimus ointment 0.1% with fewer side effects.