Once-Daily Application of Calcipotriene 0.005%–Betamethasone Dipropionate 0.064% Ointment for Repigmentation of Facial Vitiligo

Vitiligo vulgaris is an autoimmune pigmentary disorder with no universally efficacious therapeutic options. Separate applications of calcipotriene ointment 0.005% and topical corticosteroid ointments have been successful in the repigmentation of vitiligo. We sought to examine the efficacy of a combination calcipotriene 0.005%–betamethasone dipropionate 0.064% ointment in the repigmentation of vitiligo. An institutional review board–approved retrospective chart review was conducted in 13 pediatric and adult patients with vitiligo treated with calcipotriene 0.005%–betamethasone dipropionate 0.064% ointment once daily for at least 2 months. Two of 3 children had 76% to 100% repigmentation of facial vitiligo with once-daily usage after 2 months. Of the 10 adults (aged 28–55 years), 1 had 100% facial repigmentation in 3 months, 1 had 76% to 99% facial repigmentation in 5 to 9 months, and 2 had 26% to 50% repigmentation in 3 months. Twelve patients developed some facial repigmentation. No patients experienced atrophy, telangiectases, or lesion enlargement during treatment. Combination calcipotriene 0.005%–betamethasone dipropionate 0.064% ointment shows promise as a once-daily vitiligo therapy. Adult and pediatric facial vitiligo patients may see repigmentation as early as 2 months after initiation of therapy. Children may experience a better response, but larger studies are needed.