Vitiligo - Macular Depigmentation

This study is a randomized controlled trial comparing microneedling with topical minoxidil 5% versus microneedling with minoxidil combined with NB-UVB phototherapy in stable vitiligo. It aims to evaluate both clinical and histopathological outcomes in 30 patients with non-segmental stable vitiligo. Vitiligo is a chronic depigmenting disorder caused by melanocyte destruction with significant psychosocial impact. The study also investigates immunohistochemical changes, particularly Wnt/β-catenin signaling expression in lesional skin. The combination therapy is expected to enhance repigmentation by improving melanocyte activation, drug delivery, and angiogenesis

Latanoprost, a prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) analog used for glaucoma treatment, is known to cause iris darkening, hypertrichosis, and periocular skin hyperpigmentation. PGF2α has been shown to stimulate the growth of melanocyte dendrites, increasing dendricity even at low doses, as well as enhancing tyrosinase activity and quantity, thereby promoting repigmentation. Studies on the use of 0.005% latanoprost gel in both children and adults with vitiligo have demonstrated effective repigmentation without reported side effects.