Evaluation of Efficacy of Microneedling and Topical Methotrexate Versus Microneedling and Topical 5-flourouracil in Treatment of Vitillgo Patients

Vitiligo is a depigmenting skin disorder, characterized by the selective loss of melanocytes, which in turn leads to loss of pigment in the affected areas of the skin It considerd as autoimmune disease, associated with genetic and environmental factors together with metabolic, oxidative stress and cell detachment abnormalities The disease affects both genders equally, it can appear at any age, and the average age of onset is somewhat variable in different geographic . with an estimated prevalence of 0.5-2% of the population in both adults and children worldwide 5-Flourouracil is an antimetabolite analogue of the naturally occurring pyrimidine uracil which is metabolised via the same metabolic pathways as uracil Due to its antimitotic activity, topical 5-Flourouracil is a useful therapy for the treatment of many dermatological disorders characterized by a high mitotic rate Clinically, localized hyperpigmentations have been reported during systemic treatment of various cancers by 5-Flourouracil. Usually, these hyperpigmented lesions are located on the normally pigmented extremities (hands and feet) and tongue.

Methotrexate as an antimetabolite and antifolate drug is a time-tested effective treatment extensively used in various autoimmune disorders in low to moderate doses with good efficacy, safety, and tolerability on a long-term basis .

Methotrexate treatment resulted in the decrease of the number of TNF-α-producing T cells, whereas the number of T cells producing IL-10 after polyclonal activation increased, in another study .