Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Dermatology and Venerology

Background:Acquired hypomelanosis is a disease of the skin pigmentation with multiple etiology. Various therapeutic modalities have been described with moderate efficacy.Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure that stimulates melanogenesis. In comparison to other procedural interventions, microneedling has a short downtime and low risk of infection and scarring due to limited wounding of the epidermis. objective: To determine the efficacy and safety of microneedling in acquired hypomelanosis. methods: Twenty patients,older than 18 years, withacquired hypomelanosis were randomizedinto one of twoarms: ArmA (20 lesions): a single session of microneedling using dermaroller (1.5mm) was performed. Arm B (20 lesions): no-treatment.Peripheral tanning (as demonstrated by mapping), patient{u2019}s satisfaction, surface tanning grade of improvement, VESTA, patient{u2019}s global assessment of improvement and physician{u2019}s global assessment of improvement were used for clinical evaluation after 3 months. results:Both groups showedstatistically clinical improvement after treatment. Side effects and complications were mild and tolerable. conclusion:Medium-depth microneedling deserves to be placed among the armamentarium of therapeutic tools used in the treatment of localized acquired hypomelanosis,both in normal and scarred skin, owing to both its efficacy and safety. Repetitive sessions at 1 to 2 months intervals are suggested to offer better coverage. Interestingly, a possible systemic effect of microneedling was noticed and needs further investigation

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