Comparison between topical tacrolimus and potent topical steroids in treatment of childhood vitiligo

Objective To assess which of topical tacrolimus and topical highly potent steroids,is more effective and safer in the treatment of pediatric vitiligo.Methods The PubMed,Cochrane library,Scopus and CINAHL plus databases were retrieved.The search was confined to English language articles.The randomized controlled trial(RCT)articles were included in our study.The quality of the identified articles was examined by using the CASP Randomised Controlled Trials Checklist.Results As a result,there were only a few studies related to the comparison.However,there were only two RCTs regarding a comparison of topical tacrolimus 0.1%and clobetasol propionate 0.05%in childhood vitiligo.Conclusion When the body surface area(BSA)involved in the child is<20%,and the disease is not rapidly spreading,topical therapy is the first choice.Topical tacrolimus may be considered as an alternative therapy for childhood vitiligo,especially for acrofacial and segmental types,before considering other modalities,but still need to observe long-term side effects.