Dihydroxyacetone in a new formulation--a powerful therapeutic option in vitiligo.

BACKGROUND Most treatment protocols for vitiligo require a long treatment duration and usually do not result in complete repigmentation. Therefore, cosmetically acceptable and easily to handle alternatives are warranted. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the properties of dihydroxyacetone (DHA) in a new formulation 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 pigmentation showed very satisfactory cosmetic results in 8 out of 10 patients after 2 weeks of treatment. CONCLUSION The new DHA formulation is a practical and well-accepted treatment modality.