Background: Treatment of vitiligo with intralesional steroid (ILS) injections has shown to be successful in quite a few studies. It is a simple and safe treatment when used with caution with a better response in localized lesions.
Objectives: The aim of the present study is to explore the efficacy and safety of using different concentrations of intralesional corticosteroid combined with NB-UVB phototherapy in the treatment of non-segmental vitiligo (NSV) patients.
Methodology: Twenty patients with non-segmental vitiligo were subjected to different concentrations of ILS injections (triamcinolone acetonide); that was carried out monthly for six sessions. All patients were also subjected to twice-weekly sessions of NB-UVB for 6 months. Punch biopsy was taken from each patch before and at the end of treatment sessions. Each biopsy was stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), Orcein, and Masson's trichrome stains.
Results: There was a significant difference between all groups in their repigmentation response (P = 0.017). After treatment, the epidermal thickness (histometry) was decreased (epidermal atrophy), especially with concentrations of 2.5 and 5 mg/ml of intralesional triamcinolone acetonide injection with decreased and disorganized collagen fibers.
Conclusion: Intralesional corticosteroid injections combined with NB-UVB showed a good and well-tolerated therapeutic option for vitiligo. The concentrations of 0.625 and 1.25 mg/ml of triamcinolone acetonide were the safest with fewer side effects and complications. However, higher concentrations of 2.5 and 5 mg/ml were more effective but with more side effects.
© 2021 the International Society of Dermatology.