A randomized clinical trial published in Dermatology Research and Practice depicted the safety and effectiveness of the combination of microneedling and 1% pimecrolimus cream to treat resistant vitiligo lesions of the limbs. Fariba Iraji et al. undertook this study to determine the efficacy of the combination of microneedling and 1% topical pimecrolimus vs the sole usage of 1% topical pimecrolimus for vitiligo management.

The study investigated 32 lesions from 16 vitiligo patients. Each person had 2 similar lesions in the limb area, and each lesion was considered a separate therapy group. The left or right side of the participant’s lesion was randomly allocated to receive microneedling in combination with topical pimecrolimus therapy for 3 months, while the other side was treated with only topical pimecrolimus therapy.

Digital photography was done at the baseline and biweekly for 3 months following therapy and 6 months follow-up. Using patient satisfaction questionnaires, Dermatology life Quality Index (DLQI) questionnaires, and two independent dermatologists comparing the improvement rate for each group, the results were assessed.

Unsatisfactory results were reported with 1% topical pimecrolimus therapy. On the other hand, microneedling plus 1% topical pimecrolimus therapy led to a more favorable overall outcome. Only 1 participant experienced mild skin irritation as an adverse reaction of topical pimecrolimus.

Thus, microneedling in combination with topical pimecrolimus is beneficial to treat resistant vitiligo lesions of the limbs.