Background: Most treatment protocols for vitiligo require a long treatment
duration and usually do not result in complete repigmentation. Therefore, c
osmetically acceptable and easily to handle alternatives are warranted. Obj
ective: To evaluate the properties of dihydroxyacetone (DHA) in a new formu
lation for the treatment of vitiligo on exposed areas. Methods: We treated
10 patients suffering from vitiligo affecting the face and/or hands with a
newly introduced, commercially available self-bronzing cream containing DHA
5%. DHA was applied every second day. Results: The characteristic pigmenta
tion showed very satisfactory cosmetic results in 8 out of 10 patients afte
r 2 weeks of treatment. Conclusion: The new DHA formulation is a practical
and well-accepted treatment modality. Copyright (C) 2001 S. Karger AG, Base
l.