Evaluation of Microneedling With or Without Topical 5-fluorouracil in Treatment of Stable Non-segmental Vitiligo

Abstract

itiligo, the most common depigmented disorder, is an acquired disease characterized by progressive loss of melanocytes. Vitiligo occurs worldwide with an estimated prevalence of 0.5-1% in most populations. It is characterized by white macules and patches, whose size increases over time, due to the loss of melanocytes. Vitiligo is mainly classified into segmental and non segmental according to the distribution. Multiple pathogenetic factors have been proposed to clarify the etiology of vitiligo, including the neural theory, genetic predisposition, impaired anti-oxidative defense and the autoimmune theory. Several treatment modalities are available. Treatment options range from medical to surgical interference. Medical treatments are mainly represented by narrow band UVB, photochemotherapy using topical or systemic psoralens together with long wave ultraviolet light (UVA) from sun or artificial light sources. Further treatment option is the use of systemic or topical steroids, topical immunomodulators, topical calcipotriol and 308-Eximer laser. 5-Flourouracil (5-FU) is an antimetabolite analogue of the naturally occurring pyrimidine uracil which is metabolized via the same metabolic pathways as uracil. Due to its