Topical methotrexate 1% gel for treatment of vitiligo: A case report and review of the literature.

Abdelmaksoud A1, Dave DD2, Lotti T3, Vestita M4.

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1 Mansoura Dermatology, Venerology and Leprology Hospital, Mansoura, Egypt.

2 Consultant Dermatologist at Dave Skin & Laser Clinic, Patan, Gujarat, India.

3 Professor & Chair of Dermatology, University of Rome "G.Marconi", Rome, Italy.

4 Unit of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari, Italy & Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.

Vitiligo is quite a common hypopigmentary disorder, which may affect both children and adults with important psychological effects due to the well-known leopard skin-like appearance. Even if asymptomatic and not life threatening, vitiligo has to be increasingly studied and treated. Hitherto, the efficacy of topical methotrexate in treatment of vitiligo has not been reported. We herein reporting our preliminary observation on the promising efficacy of topical methotrexate in 1 patient with stable vitiligo. The patient applied topical methotrexate 1% gel twice daily for 12 weeks. Significant improvement of the lesion with no local or systemic side effects were noted during the course of therapy. We propose that this well-tolerated drug can be used for vitiligo therapy; however, further investigations should be performed to ascertain the exact topically effective dose.

PMID: 31265164 DOI: 10.1111/dth.13013

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