Retrospective analysis of pimecrolimus cream 1% for treatment of facial vitiligo.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effectiveness of pimecrolimus cream 1% used twice daily (BID) for the treatment of facial vitiligo. METHODS: Patients who had used pimecrolimus cream 1% monotherapy BID for at least 3 months and who had photographs taken at baseline and after initiation of therapy were analyzed in a retrospective study. The total affected surface area (cm2) of facial vitiligo in the baseline and follow-up photographs was compared. The extent of facial depigmentation was scored using a 7-point scale (0 = no disease to 6 = 100% involvement). RESULTS: Eight patients met study entry criteria. Mean time from initiation of treatment to the final follow-up visit was 11 months (SD +/- 7.5 months). Mean affected surface area at baseline and follow-up were 79.40 cm2 and 17.96 cm2, respectively, (P = .012) with a mean percent improvement 72.5% (SD +/- 20.4%). Mean depigmentation score decreased from 2.8 at baseline to 1.4 at follow-up. No adverse events were reported. CONCLUSION: Pimecrolimus cream 1% may be a viable alternative to current therapies for the treatment of facial vitiligo.