A randomized prospective study to assess the role of topical tacrolimus as preventive therapy in unstable acral vitiligo.

BACKGROUND

Acral vitiligo is a significantly distressing condition and tends to be treatment-resistant. The occurrence of new lesions on acral areas further causes greater psychological trauma. Topical tacrolimus has been widely used in the management of vitiligo and its role in preventing flares in other dermatoses such as atopic dermatitis has been well documented.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the role of topical tacrolimus as preventive therapy in unstable acral vitiligo.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this single-centre randomized prospective study, 60 patients aged 16-60 years having unstable acral vitiligo with symmetrical lesions were enrolled and randomized (1:1) into two groups. Patients in group A were instructed to apply topical tacrolimus 0.1% ointment on both vitiliginous and normal skin while patients in group B were instructed to apply topical tacrolimus 0.1% ointment only on vitiliginous skin for 6 months. Only the distal hand till the wrist joint was chosen for observation. Vitiliginous patches were assessed monthly for 6 months for a change in the number of lesions and total area involved, extension of preexisting lesions and adverse effects if any.

RESULTS

A reduction in the number of lesions was observed in both groups. The decrease in the number of lesions in group A was 5.6% as compared to 2.3% in group B (p-0.001). The decrease in depigmented area in group A was 10.5% as compared to 4.6% in group B (p-0.048). Treatment failure was seen in 11 out of 60 (18.3%) patients.

CONCLUSION

Tacrolimus 0.1% ointment application showed effectiveness in preventing the appearance of new lesions in unstable acral vitiligo and hastening the repigmentation when applied on both lesional and perilesional skin in vitiligo.