Evaluation of the efficacy of topical ethyl vanillate in enhancing the effect of narrow band ultraviolet B against vitiligo: a double blind randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial

ABSTRACT

Background: Vitiligo is an acquired disease of skin that presents with depigmented patches due to lack of melanocytes in the epidermis. Accumulation of toxic free radicals like hydrogen peroxide in the epidermis may be responsible for melanocytes death. Since ethyl vanillate [vanillic acid ethyl ester] is a strong hydrogen peroxide scavenger, it may be effective against vitiligo. This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of ethyl vanillate cream on vitiligo patients receiving phototherapy