Comparative Study of Topical Pentoxifylline Versus Topical 5-Fluorouracil Combined With Microneedling and NB-UVB for Stable Vitiligo

This randomized, single-blinded clinical trial evaluates the efficacy and safety of topical pentoxifylline compared with topical 5-fluorouracil, both combined with microneedling and narrow-band ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) phototherapy, in patients with stable vitiligo. A total of 42 patients with stable vitiligo received six biweekly microneedling sessions over three months, with concomitant NB-UVB phototherapy twice weekly, followed by a three-month follow-up period. Each patient had three vitiliginous patches allocated to topical pentoxifylline with microneedling, topical 5-fluorouracil with microneedling, or microneedling alone.