Combination of Microdermabrasion and 5-Fluorouracil to Induce Repigmentation in Vitiligo: An Observational Study

BACKGROUND Treatment of resistant vitiligo is challenging. A few well-researched studies have shown variable results with surgical and other therapeutic strategies. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the usefulness of a less-painful method of repigmentation of vitiligo patches. PATIENTS AND METHODS Forty vitiligo patches in 22 consecutive patients with resistant vitiligo presenting at a vitiligo clinic of a university teaching medical school in New Delhi, India, were treated with microdermabrasion followed by topical 5% 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). RESULTS One-third of the patches showed more than 50% repigmentation, and one-fourth showed more than 75% repigmentation. Gratifying results were obtained in seven patches after a single session. CONCLUSION Microdermabrasion is adjunctive with topical 5% 5-FU in the treatment of resistant vitiligo patches. Further well-controlled randomized trials are required to validate the observations of the study.