Comparative evaluation of the therapeutic efficacy of dermabrasion, dermabrasion combined with topical 5% 5-fluorouracil cream, and dermabrasion combined with topical placentrex gel in localized stable vitiligo.

BACKGROUND

Vitiligo affects 1% of the world's population with a higher incidence in dark-skinned individuals. Many medical treatments have been attempted with partial success, but recent focus has been on surgical techniques. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the therapeutic efficacy of dermabrasion, dermabrasion combined with 5% 5-fluorouracil cream, and dermabrasion combined with topical placentrex gel in the management of localized stable vitiligo.

METHODS

Thirty patients with localized stable vitiligo (at least three lesions each) were treated. After dermabrasion, a soframycin tulle dressing was placed on the first lesion, a topical 5% 5-fluorouracil dressing on the second, and a topical placentrex gel dressing on the third for 7 days after the procedure, and the patients were followed up for 6 months.

RESULTS

The efficacy of treatment was highest (73.33%) and most rapid in lesions treated with dermabrasion combined with 5-fluorouracil. Dermabrasion alone and dermabrasion combined with placentrex gel showed similar efficacy in localized stable vitiligo.

CONCLUSION

Dermabrasion combined with 5-fluorouracil is the most efficacious of the three treatment modalities studied.