Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 19, 2026
03:20
Studying Chronic Exposure of Mice to Ultraviolet B Radiation
Published on: August 19, 2025
2.2K
The effect of latanoprost on vitiligo: a preliminary comparative study
Tag S Anbar1, Tarek S El-Ammawi, Amal T Abdel-Rahman
1Department of Dermatology, Al-Minya University, Al-Minya, Egypt.
International Journal of Dermatology
|December 30, 2014
Summary
Topical latanoprost (LT), a glaucoma drug, effectively repigments vitiligo skin, comparable to narrow-band UVB. Combining LT with NB-UVB further enhanced skin repigmentation, showing promise for vitiligo treatment.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Ophthalmology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Latanoprost (LT), a prostaglandin F2α analogue, is used for glaucoma treatment.
- LT is known to cause periocular and iridal pigmentation.
- LT also induces skin pigmentation in animal models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate topical LT's efficacy in inducing skin repigmentation in vitiligo patients.
- To compare LT's potency with narrow-band ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) therapy.
- To assess the combined effect of LT and NB-UVB on vitiligo repigmentation.
Main Methods:
- 22 patients with stable, bilateral vitiligo were divided into three groups.
- Group I: LT vs. placebo. Group II: LT vs. NB-UVB. Group III: Combination therapy.
- Treatment response was monitored via photographic records every two weeks for three months, with a six-month follow-up.
Main Results:
- Topical LT demonstrated superior efficacy compared to placebo in inducing skin repigmentation.
- LT showed comparable efficacy to NB-UVB in repigmenting vitiligo lesions.
- Combination therapy with LT and NB-UVB resulted in enhanced skin repigmentation.
Conclusions:
- Topical latanoprost is a promising treatment for vitiligo, particularly the periocular variant.
- LT's skin repigmentation effect can be potentiated by NB-UVB exposure.
- Further research into LT as a vitiligo therapeutic is warranted.
Related Concept Videos
01:14Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives
4.2K
The first thing a clinician sees is the skin, so the examination of the skin should be part of any thorough physical examination. Most skin disorders are relatively benign, but a few, including melanomas, can be fatal if untreated. A couple of the more noticeable disorders, albinism and vitiligo, affect the appearance of the skin and its accessory organs.
Albinism
Albinism is a genetic disorder that affects (completely or partially) the coloring of skin, hair, and eyes. The defect is primarily...
Albinism
Albinism is a genetic disorder that affects (completely or partially) the coloring of skin, hair, and eyes. The defect is primarily...
4.2K
01:27Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment
1.1K
In open-angle glaucoma, the iridocorneal angle remains open, but the trabecular meshwork becomes stiff, slowing down the outflow of aqueous humor. This causes a buildup of aqueous humor in the anterior chamber, leading to a sudden increase in intraocular pressure. The treatment for open-angle glaucoma focuses on reducing the elevated intraocular pressure by either decreasing the secretion of aqueous humor or increasing its outflow.
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
1.1K
01:28Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment
1.7K
Angle-closure glaucoma, or closed-angle glaucoma, is an eye condition where the iris bulges out and blocks the iridocorneal angle, resulting in a buildup of aqueous humor and increased intraocular pressure. Immediate medical attention is necessary due to the sudden onset of symptoms. The treatment for angle-closure glaucoma includes short-term and long-term approaches. Short-term treatment involves using eye drops like pilocarpine to lower intraocular pressure by increasing aqueous humor...
1.7K
01:19Pigmentation
5.1K
The color of the skin is influenced by a number of pigments, including melanin, carotene, and hemoglobin. Recall that melanin is produced by cells called melanocytes, which are found scattered throughout the stratum basale of the epidermis. The melanin is transferred to the keratinocytes via melanosomes.
Melanin occurs in two primary forms: eumelanin that provides black and brown pigment and pheomelanin that provides red color. Dark-skinned individuals produce more melanin than those with pale...
Melanin occurs in two primary forms: eumelanin that provides black and brown pigment and pheomelanin that provides red color. Dark-skinned individuals produce more melanin than those with pale...
5.1K