Response of segmental vitiligo to 0.05% clobetasol propionate cream

Forty patients with a definite clinical diagnosis of segmental vitiligo (SV) were treated with 0.05% clobetasol propionate cream to the vitiliginous areas twice daily. Patients with any doubt regarding the type of vitiligo were not included. Twelve (30%) patients were 5-10 years, 19 (47.5%) were 11-20 years, six (15%) were 21-30 years. and three (7.5%) were 31-34 years of age. The duration of the disease ranged from 1 month to 12 years (mean, 16.3 months); 11 (27.5%) patients presented within 6 months, 13 (32.5%) from 6 to 12 months, nine (22.5%) from 12 to 18 months, and seven (17.5%) after 18 months of the onset of the disease. Eighteen (45%) patients were male and 22 (55%) were female. The face and/or neck were affected in 16 (40%), trunk in 17 (42.5%), and extremities in seven (17.5%) patients. Therapy was interrupted for 2 weeks after every B-week course, unless the severity of the side-effects dictated longer or earlier intervals. Patients were assessed every 2 weeks. Treatment was stopped after two courses in those patients who did not show any signs of recovery during this period. The remaining patients received three courses of treatment. No adjuvant therapy was used.