Ineffectiveness of topical khellin in photochemotherapy of vitiligo

This study was carried out in order to determine whether topically applied khellin followed by UVA exposure is effective for vitiligo treatment. A group of 40 patients with symmetrical vitiligo patches, appbed 5% khellin cream or 3% khellin in 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone (PYR) to one side of the body and the vehicle only as placebo to the other side before each session of irradiation. A second group of 32 patients with asymmetrical vitiligo patches applied the vehicle only, an o/w cream or PYR before each session of irradiation. The irradiations were performed every other day. Repigmentation, estimated both clinically and photographically, was similar on vitiligo patches treated with khellin and on those treated only with the vehicle. The mean total dose able to induce initial follicular repigmentation was 550 J/cm2 (range 100-950 J/cm2), administered over 3 months (range 1-5 months). In conclusion, topical application of khellin did not induce repigmentation of vitiligo patches, whose response to therapy seems to be due to UVA irradiation alone. © 1995 Informa UK Ltd All rights reserved: reproduction in whole or part not permitted.