Dermatomal Vitiligo: Therapeutic Implication of Dermabrasion.
Journal of Pan-Arab League of Dermatologists
Vol. 19, No. 1, February 2008 Page 21-29
Dermatomal Vitiligo: Therapeutic Implication of Dermabrasion.
Nagat S Mohammad, Maha F Elgoweini & Nouran A Khadr
Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University
Abstract
Background:Vitiligo affects approximately 1% of the general population without racial, sexual, or regional differences. However, studies of segmental (dermatomal) vitiligo have been few and the number of patients is limited. The clinical features of segmental vitiligo differ from those of non segmental vitiligo, pathogenesis may also differ. In addition it is considered a special type of vitiligo because of its earlier onset, recalcitrant course and decreased association with autoimmune disease.
Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of dermabrasion on dermatomal vitiligo (alone or in combination with 5Flurouracil).
Patients and Methods:Ten patients with dermatomal vitiligo affecting different sites of the body were included and divided into two equal groups.
Results: No improvement was obtained with dermabrasion alone or in combination with 5 fluorouracil in segmental vitiligo.
Conclusion:In treating segmental vitiligo; dermabrasion must be in combination with other techniques which does not rely on the remaining melanocytes but transfer new melanocytes from unaffected skin. So, dermabrasion must be followed by epidermal grafting, split thickness skin graft or melanocyte transplantation.
Journal of Pan-Arab League of Dermatologists
Vol. 19, No. 1, February 2008 Page 21-29
Dermatomal Vitiligo: Therapeutic Implication of Dermabrasion.
Nagat S Mohammad, Maha F Elgoweini & Nouran A Khadr
Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University
Abstract
Background:Vitiligo affects approximately 1% of the general population without racial, sexual, or regional differences. However, studies of segmental (dermatomal) vitiligo have been few and the number of patients is limited. The clinical features of segmental vitiligo differ from those of non segmental vitiligo, pathogenesis may also differ. In addition it is considered a special type of vitiligo because of its earlier onset, recalcitrant course and decreased association with autoimmune disease.
Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of dermabrasion on dermatomal vitiligo (alone or in combination with 5Flurouracil).
Patients and Methods:Ten patients with dermatomal vitiligo affecting different sites of the body were included and divided into two equal groups.
Results: No improvement was obtained with dermabrasion alone or in combination with 5 fluorouracil in segmental vitiligo.
Conclusion:In treating segmental vitiligo; dermabrasion must be in combination with other techniques which does not rely on the remaining melanocytes but transfer new melanocytes from unaffected skin. So, dermabrasion must be followed by epidermal grafting, split thickness skin graft or melanocyte transplantation.