Abstract

Background. Vitiligo is a skin disease whose etiology is far from being completely elucidated. Many therapeutic methods have not proven to be fully effective, therefore phenytoin, through its immunomodulatory activity, has been proposed as a therapeutic agent in vitiligo. No studies showing the efficacy of phenytoin in this condition have been published so far.

Aims. Evaluation of pro-oxidant and antioxidant markers after two therapeutic methods, topical PUVA therapy and topical therapy with phenytoin respectively, to assess the effectiveness of phenytoin in vitiligo.

Patients and method. Oxidative stress was evaluated by determining the balance between oxidants (malondialdehyde) and antioxidant systems (hydrogen donor capacity). Eligible patients were enrolled in two groups according to the treatment studied, namely phenytoin topical gel 2% and topical photochemotherapy. Results. The treatment with topical phenytoin reduced lipid peroxidation processes in 90% of patients and stimulated the antioxidant systems of the skin in 80% of the cases, similar to a known therapeutic method, topical PUVA therapy.

Conclusions. Topical applications of phenytoin may be effective in the treatment of vitiligo, by its efficacy on the oxidant/antioxidant balance.

Keywords

vitiligo, oxidative stress, phenytoin