{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Evaluation of needling/microneedling as an adjunct to phototherapy in the treatment of stable acral vitiligo: a comparative clinical and immunohistochemical study.
{Author}: Esmat S;Assaf MI;Mohye Eldeen R;Gawdat HI;Saadi DG;
{Journal}: J Dermatolog Treat
{Volume}: 33
{Issue}: 5
{Year}: Aug 2022
{Factor}: 3.23
{DOI}: 10.1080/09546634.2022.2062279
{Abstract}: <B>UNASSIGNED: </B>To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of needling/microneedling as an adjunct to NB-UVB phototherapy in the treatment of stable refractory patches of acral vitiligo, based upon clinical and immunohistochemical assessment of melanocyte count and distribution in response to needling/microneedling.<BR><B>UNASSIGNED: </B>Twenty patients with stable acral vitiligo (≥2 patches) were enrolled. One of the two index patches was randomized to receive needling or microneedling in conjunction with NB-UVB. Patients received phototherapy sessions 3 times weekly, while needling was carried out on biweekly basis for 6 months. Assessment was done clinically using point counting method, VESTA, and global patients' satisfaction, and immunohistochemically by quantitative assessment of melanocyte count by Melan-A.<BR><B>UNASSIGNED: </B>No statistically significant difference was observed between NB-UVB monotherapy and either of the combined therapy regimens as regards the mean percentage change in vitiligo surface area (p = .451), mean change in absolute melanocyte count from baseline (p = .589), and mean VESTA (p = .916). Patches subjected to adjuvant microneedling/needling were afflicted by koebnerization in 50% and 20% of cases, respectively.<BR><B>UNASSIGNED: </B>Neither microneedling nor needling appear to confer an added therapeutic value to NB-UVB phototherapy in the treatment of stable acral vitiligo. Moreover, both carry the risk of koebnerization.