14 Feb Study Shows Microneedling to Be an Effective Vitiligo Treatment
There are over 3,000 kinds of skin conditions, and vitiligo is more prevalent than many people think. Parson Skin Center offers treatment options for this stubborn skin condition which affects people of all skin tones (but is more visible in those with more melanin). Vitiligo is a harmless skin condition in which pigmentation lightens in patches. This can affect self-esteem and self-confidence, but the good news is that there are treatments available to minimize the appearance of vitiligo. A recent study found that combining topicals with microneedling is an effective vitiligo treatment.
According to the School of Skin Medicine’s Skin Disease and Leishmaniasis Research Center, researchers at the Isfahan University of Medical Sciences found that microneedling led to “re-pigmentation” in some cases. A group of investigators took a look at how “using only” topicals like pimecrolimus worked for vitiligo in comparison to topicals and microneedling. It was discovered that the popular topical pimecrolimus, used at one percent, “had unsatisfactory results, while combining microneedling and topical pimecrolimus showed a favorable outcome.”
Treating Stubborn Skin Disorders
The study included a randomized clinical trial of 32 lesions from 16 participants who were randomly selected. These patients had been referred to dermatologists throughout Iran from December 2019 – December 2020. Two lesions on two limbs of each patient were selected, with the chosen lesions being as similar as possible. Lesions were then earmarked as Lesion A or B. Lesion A was treated with pimecrolimus plus microneedling while lesion B only received the topical.
The participants ranged from 18 – 60 years old and all had vitiligo lesions on their limbs. These patients did not previously respond well to light therapy or other types of topical treatments. They also did not have “active” vitiligo that appeared in the last year. Photos were taken to establish baseline, then again biweekly for three months post-treatment. Additional photos were taken at the 6-month follow-up. Evaluations included patient questionnaires, a quality-of-life index, and re-pigmentation assessments by dermatologists unassociated with the study.
A Favorable Outcome for Microneedling Vitiligo
The final participant group included 8 men and 7 women. The study found that there were “no significant improvements” observed in those who only received topical treatment, even at the 6-month mark. The lesions that were treated with both topicals and microneedling revealed a better outcome. Additionally, the data showed that microneedling plus topicals had “poor recovery levels” just two weeks after the treatment—which makes sense considering microneedling is a form of collagen induction therapy. The body requires time to show results. However, “fair re-pigmentation” was found in 40 percent of participants after two months. “Good re-pigmentation” was reported in 33.3 percent of patients three months after receiving the treatment. Finally, “excellent re-pigmentation” was found in 6.7 percent of patients six months after their treatment.
According to researchers, this combination therapy “demonstrated that a patient’s recovery status improved significantly over time.” However, it is not just recovery status that improves in time but also patient satisfaction. The researchers report, “There was a statistically significant difference in patient satisfaction at 45 days, 2 months, 75 days, 3 months, and 6 months following treatment.” No side effects were reported in 14 of the participants, and no side effects were reported at all related strictly to the microneedling aspect of the treatment.
Can Microneedling Help You?
Researchers say, “Our results showed the higher response rate of topical pimecrolimus plus microneedling combination versus pimecrolimus cream alone method in terms of skin re-pigmentation.” It’s also important to note that these participants underwent just one microneedling treatment. Regardless of the skin condition being treated, in most cases multiple, ongoing microneedling sessions are recommended for optimal results. This procedure is so quick and easy, with virtually no downtime, that many people schedule monthly appointments.
Microneedling can be used at a standalone treatment for many skin conditions or as an add-on to more aggressive treatments. It has been a proven tool to help with a variety of issues ranging from melasma to acne scarring, sun damage to premature aging, and can help anyone get healthier, more youthful-looking skin. Whether you struggle with vitiligo or another skin condition, microneedling might be the treatment you need to see real progress. Get in touch with Parson Skin Center today to schedule your consultation. Call the office or for the quickest response complete the online contact form.