The clinical and pathological effectiveness of microneedling and topical 5-fluorouracil in vitiligo treatment: An association with matrix metalloproteinase 2 immunohistochemical expression.

Background: The current therapies for vitiligo require long duration with often disappointing outcomes. 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is a chemotherapeutic agent approved for topical use in the treatment of several dermatologic conditions. Matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) is synthesized by keratinocytes during the epidermal remodeling process and has been found to help in melanocyte migration.