Comparative Evaluation of Efficacy and Safety of Tacrolimus and Dinoprostone Following Dermabrasion in Stable Vitiligo

Background: Dinoprostone (DNP), a prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) analogue, has been found to cause repigmenation in vitiliginous lesions. Combined medical and surgical therapy might be more useful for successful treatment of vitiligo. Objectives: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of dermabrasion followed by dinoprostone gel and to compare it with tacrolimus ointment following the same procedure in the treatment of localized stable vitiligo. Methods: 40 patients of stable vitiligo were enrolled which were divided in two groups of 20 patients each. In group 1, dermabrasion followed by tacrolimus 0.1% ointment was done and in group 2, dermabrasion followed by dinoprostone gel was done. Results: Group 1 patients showed slightly better response (P=0.039), whereas the side effect profile was better for group 2. Conclusion: DNP and tacrolimus have immunomodulatory and melanocyte stimulating effect and are well tolerated when combined with dermabrasion. Their effect on skin pigmentation could be enhanced by dermabrasion.