Pimecrolimus is a cell-selective inhibitor of inflammatory cytokines developed for the treatment of inflammatory skin diseases, such as allergic contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, plaque-type psoriasis, and irritant contact dermatitis. It reduces the production of inflammatory cytokines in T cells and mast cells and inhibits the release of preformed inflammatory mediators from mast cells.In 13 of 26 (50%) lesions of vitiligo, repigmentation was noted after a 6 month treatment of 1% pimecrolimus with a median percentage of repigmentation of 72.9% (interquartile range: 30.5-98.3%). Total affected body surface area and duration of vitiligo tended to be inversely correlated with the success rate of treatment.

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