Methoxsalen in the Treatment of Vitiligo

Vitiligo and Other Hypomelanoses of Hair and Skin

“…[35] observed partial or complete repigmentation in 73% of their patients, and El Mofty [6] in nearly 90% of his 75 patients. Similar results were reported by Elliott [672] and Kenney [673]. Fitzpatrick et a1.…”

Treatment of Vitiligo With Topical Methoxsalen and Blacklite

“…Advantages to this regimen include: (1) a controlled stimulus, devoid of untoward reactions; (2) the use of weekly treatment schedules; (3) avoidance of systemic admin¬ istration of a drug; (4) no generalized hyperpigmentation; (5) inexpensive light source; and finally, (6) some discernible repigmentation in the majority of patients.…”

Vitiligo treatment options: An evolving scenario

“…It is given two to three times a week until it results in erythema. The treatment response is quite variable, and total repigmentation may only be achieved in 15-20% of vitiligo patients (65,(70)(71)(72).…”

“…Nausea, vomiting, erythema, pruritis, xerosis, fatigue, cataracts (73), aging, burns (74), and carcinogenicity (65,72,(75)(76)(77) are the well-recognized side effects. However, the use of therapy is contraindicated in pregnancy, lactating women, and people with a history of skin cancers, arsenic exposure, photosensitive disorders or cataracts (62,72). Patients should be strictly instructed to wear UV-absorbing goggles and avoid direct or filtered sunlight for 24 hours after the treatment (62,65).…”

“…Oral PUVA therapy (67)(68)(69)(70)(71)(72)(73)(74)(75)(76)(77)(78)(79)(80) Practical both in initial as well as post-surgical management of vitiligo 3.…”