Medication
Uses UVA light and a medicine called psoralen to restore skin color. Psoralen may be applied to the skin or taken as a pill. Can treat widespread vitiligo. About 50% to 75% effective in restoring pigment to the face, trunk, upper arms, and upper legs.
Procedures
If you have vitiligo, particularly if you have light skin, use a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Apply sunscreen generously and reapply every two hours — or more often if you're swimming or sweating. You can also seek shade and wear clothing that shields your skin from the sun.
Therapy
If your dermatologist suspects that you have vitiligo, your dermatologist will: Review your medical history, and may ask specific questions, such as whether anyone in your family has vitiligo
What is the best treatment for vitiligo?
Two of the major theories of the pathogenesis of vitiligo are the autoimmune theory and the autocytotoxicity theory. The autoimmune theory speculates that patients with vitiligo form autoantibodies against melanocytes.
What kind of sunscreen should I use if I have vitiligo?
What happens if my dermatologist suspects that I have vitiligo?
What are the major theories of the pathogenesis of vitiligo?
What is the best treatment for vitiligo?
Light therapy. Phototherapy with narrow band ultraviolet B (UVB) has been shown to stop or slow the progression of active vitiligo. It might be more effective when used with corticosteroids or calcineurin inhibitors. You'll need therapy two to three times a week.
What is the permanent treatment of vitiligo?
How is vitiligo treated? There is no cure for vitiligo. The goal of medical treatment is to create a uniform skin tone by either restoring color (repigmentation) or eliminating the remaining color (depigmentation). Common treatments include camouflage therapy, repigmentation therapy, light therapy and surgery.
What is first line treatment for vitiligo?
A topical corticosteroid preparation is often chosen as a first-line treatment for localized vitiligo because it is easy and convenient for patients.. The results of therapy have been reported as moderately successful, particularly in patients with localized vitiligo and/or an inflammatory component to their vitiligo.
Which agent used for vitiligo treatment?
Monobenzone (monobenzyl ether of hydroquinone, MBEH) is usually the treatment of choice of depigmentation therapy for severe cases of vitiligo, and MBEH is usually used in concentrations of 20 to 40 percent to achieve the desired permanent depigmentation.
How effective is tacrolimus for vitiligo?
A study conducted in 2009 showed that treatment of vitiligo with tacrolimus ointment for a period of four months resulted in some repigmentation in about 83.3% of the patients [4].
What is tacrolimus used for?
Descriptions. Tacrolimus topical is used on the skin to treat moderate to severe atopic dermatitis in patients who have received other medicines that have not worked well. Atopic dermatitis is a skin condition where there is itching, redness, and inflammation, much like an allergic reaction.
Are there any new treatments for vitiligo?
Approval of the first such treatment for vitiligo may be imminent: Ruxolitinib cream 1.5% (Opzelura; Incyte), a topical Janise kinase (JAK) inhibitor, initially had a Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) date of April 18, 2022, but has since been extended 3 months to July 18, 2022.
How do JAK inhibitors work on vitiligo?
JAK inhibitors target the JAK/STAT pathway and are now approved to treat many immune-related diseases. In the treatment of vitiligo, JAK inhibitors, including ruxolitinib, baricitinib, and tofacitinib, are effective, supporting the implication of the IFN-γ-chemokine signaling axis in the pathogenesis of vitiligo.
Is glutathione good for vitiligo?
In conclusion, our study revealed that glutathione plays a crucial role in the survival of RD-exposed melanocytes. This finding could be helpful for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of leukoderma and generalized vitiligo not only by RD, but also other chemicals.
What is depigmentation treatment?
Depigmentation is the term used for skin treatments to resolve the appearance of uneven skin tone. Treatments for both can include options such as chemical peels, medications, light therapy and microdermabrasion. Depigmentation can also refer to the loss of color in certain areas related to vitiligo or injury.
What is repigmentation therapy for vitiligo?
Discussion. Vitiligo is a challenging chronic disease with a profound impact on the life of patients, with all options having limited success [1]. The goal of treatment is repigmentation, which occurs by activation and migration of melanocytes from their reservoirs that are found in hair follicles [1].
Does steroid cream help vitiligo?
Topical corticosteroids are most effective on small, newly depigmented areas. Potent topical corticosteroids can be used on the face, with ultrapotent steroids reserved for the body. Corticosteroids have been shown to be effective in only 57% of adult patients and only 64% of childhood vitiligo patients.
How effective is vitiligo treatment?
Can treat widespread vitiligo. About 50% to 75% effective in restoring pigment to the face, trunk, upper arms, and upper legs. Not very effective for the hands or feet. Time-consuming, requiring treatment at a hospital or PUVA center twice a week for about 1 year.
What to do if you suspect vitiligo?
If your dermatologist suspects that you have vitiligo, your dermatologist will: Review your medical history, and may ask specific questions, such as whether anyone in your family has vitiligo. Perform a physical exam, looking carefully at the affected skin.
What is the treatment for PUVA light?
May be combined with another treatment such as a corticosteroid that you apply to your skin. PUVA light therapy. Uses UVA light and a medicine called psoralen to restore skin color. Psoralen may be applied to the skin or taken as a pill.
How effective are light boxes for vitiligo?
Light boxes are used to treat widespread vitiligo; lasers are used to treat a small area. Works best on the face; least effective on hands and feet. Effective for many patients; about 70% see results with an excimer laser. Results can disappear. About half, 44%, see results disappear within 1 year of stopping treatment.
Can a dermatologist treat vitiligo?
The type of treatment that is best for you will depend on your preference, overall health, age, and where the vitiligo appears on your body. Some people choose not to treat vitiligo.
Can vitiligo be effective?
Can be effective for 90% to 95% of patients. Possible side effects include failure to work, cobblestone-like skin, and infection. Unconventional treatment. Some vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and enzymes have been reported to restore skin color in people who have vitiligo.
Can you use makeup to cover vitiligo?
Some people choose not to treat vitiligo. No medical treatment (use cosmetics to camouflage lost color) Cosmetic options include makeup, self-tanners, and skin dyes. Offers safe way to make vitiligo less noticeable. Often recommended for children because it avoids possible side effects from medicine.
What are the best ways to treat vitiligo?
You can also consider lifestyle measures that reduce the risk of worsening vitiligo. Talk with your doctor about the following steps you can take: light therapy used in conjunction with vitamin C, folic acid, and other micronutrient supplements. reduced sun exposure.
How to remove vitiligo from skin?
Laser treatment to remove outer layers. Laser treatment involves the use of high-powered beams to remove the outer layers of your skin. This may be helpful for vitiligo by evening out patches of lighter-than-normal skin. The downside is that laser treatments can be painful and require several weeks of recovery time.
How does micropigmentation work?
Micropigmentation is a type of tattooing. This treatment works for vitiligo by implanting (or tattooing) new pigment into areas of blotchy skin. While this process is effective, it will likely have to be repeated every few years so you can maintain natural-looking color.
What is the term for the loss of skin pigment?
Vitiligo is a medical condition that causes skin pigmentation loss. This happens when melanocytes, or the cells that create skin pigment, are destroyed. It can present as patches of white skin on the body.
How to treat hyperpigmentation?
Talk with your doctor about the following steps you can take: 1 light therapy used in conjunction with vitamin C, folic acid, and other micronutrient supplements 2 reduced sun exposure 3 sunscreen of at least SPF 30 to prevent uneven tanning and hyperpigmentation
What is the treatment for discoloration of skin?
Photochemotherapy. Light therapy (photochemotherapy) involves controlled exposure to ultraviolet rays to correct discoloration. Sometimes UVA light therapy is combined with a plant-based medication called psoralen, which is taken orally or applied topically to smaller areas of affected skin.
Can vitiligo be treated with micropigmentation?
Vitiligo can affect the lips, which is an extremely delicate area to treat. According to the Mayo Clinic, micropigmentation works well around the lip area. However, there are also more natural treatments you can consider that are needle-free, such as cosmetic cover-ups.
How to treat vitiligo?
In cases where medication and phototherapy are not effective in treating generalized vitiligo, surgical procedures may be considered.2 In general, surgery will only be considered in adults whose white patches have not changed for at least six months.2 Surgery is not a good option for people whose skin tends to form keloid (raised) scars.2 Surgical procedures may be considered as an initial treatment in certain cases of vitiligo that are limited to just a few areas on one side of the body (segmental vitiligo). Surgery is also more likely to be successful in cases of vitiligo limited to a few areas than in widespread, generalized vitiligo.12 (Read more about types of vitiligo .)
What is the goal of vitiligo treatment?
The goal of most vitiligo treatments is to restore lost skin pigment.2 Some people with widespread vitiligo choose to undergo depigmentation – removing the remaining color from the skin to even out skin tone.2 Some people with vitiligo choose not to treat the condition, and may or may not try to cover or camouflage their patches of lighter skin.2.
How does vitiligo affect people?
People with vitiligo may face social stigma that can be psychologically devastating. 19 Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. If you are experiencing problems with your body image and self-esteem that impact your quality of life, treatment can help. Several studies have shown that types of psychotherapy including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), group therapy, and self-help programs have benefitted people suffering under the emotional burden of vitiligo.19 Support groups specifically for people with vitiligo may also be helpful.
How does phototherapy work?
Phototherapy works by using light to restore lost color to the skin.2 Phototherapy usually requires a significant time commitment – for instance, two or three treatments each week for eight to 24 months – to be effective.1 Phototherapy can be very effective in some people with vitiligo, with 65 to 75 percent of cases treated successfully.1 However, the results of phototherapy usually fade with time, with 44 percent of people losing regained pigment within one year after treatment, and 86 percent losing color within four years if all treatment is stopped.2
What is the drug called that is used to treat vitiligo?
Calcipotriol , also known as Calcipotriene, is a medication derived from vitamin D.8 Calcipotriol and the related drug Tacalcitol are widely prescribed for vitiligo, but only partially effective.1.
What type of therapy is used for vitiligo?
Several studies have shown that types of psychotherapy including cognitive-behavioral therapy (C BT), group therapy, and self-help programs have benefitted people suffering under the emotional burden of vitiligo.19 Support groups specifically for people with vitiligo may also be helpful.
What are the treatments for vitiligo?
Treatment options for vitiligo include topical and oral medications, different types of light therapy, and surgical approaches. Some people with vitiligo participate in clinical trials for new treatments or try complementary, natural, or alternative methods.
What is the best treatment for vitiligo?
Laser therapy is used to treat small areas of vitiligo. The laser targets the 308 nm light spectrum. Laser is effective for areas of stable, non-spreading vitiligo. Laser treatments generally provide faster results than UVB or UV-A treatments, but only work for small patches of vitiligo.
Why is vitiligo not effective?
Vitiligo treatments are not always effective because there is a high chance that vitiligo will return after treatment even if patients see re-pigmentation during treatment. This is because health professionals believe vitiligo is an autoimmune problem where the immune system sees skin pigmentation as a foreign invader and attacks it.
What is picrorhiza used for?
Picrorhiza is a Himalayan herb used for thousands of years as a medicinal plant. The plant is often used in Ayurvedic medicine as an immune booster. The immune-regulating benefits of the plant could benefit patients with vitiligo because vitiligo is often tied in with other autoimmune diseases. A stronger beneficial link has been found when picrorhiza is used in combination with traditional vitiligo treatments. A study from the journal Ethnopharmacol in 1989 found that the effectiveness of the vitiligo drug methoxsalen was increased when combined with Picrorhiza supplements.
How can I improve my vitiligo?
According to studies cited by the University of Chicago and Medscape, light therapy , or phototherapy , can improve the appearance of skin vitiligo in up to 70 percent of patients, which is a high number for individuals with vitiligo. Other vitiligo treatment methods have a much lower effectiveness rating.
What is UVB therapy?
UVB therapy has a targeted wavelength that is used to treat vitiligo. Some treatment centers have hand or foot lightboxes only, while others offer whole-body lightboxes for individuals with widespread vitiligo. Today, UVB treatment is considered the best treatment option for individuals who have vitiligo on more than 20 percent of their bodies. UVB light uses light ranging from 311-312 nm. This spectrum of light stimulates pigment cells before skin burns. UVB light also gently suppresses the immune system, which can help control vitiligo caused by an overactive immune system.
Is light therapy good for vitiligo?
According to current science, light therapy is the most effective treatment for vitiligo. Up to 92 percent of patients who undergo light therapy see some improvement. There are several types of light therapy for vitiligo that can provide different results. Not all therapies are suitable for every type of vitiligo, and some treatment methods also have side effects. Take a look at the most common light therapies for vitiligo below:
Does vitamin E help with vitiligo?
Vitamin E supplements taken orally were listed as a “valuable adjuvant therapy” for vitiligo in the 2009 study. The protective effects of vitamin E help to maximize the effectiveness of UV-B therapy.
How old do you have to be to get vitiligo?
Although the disease can occur at any age, 50% of patients acquire it before age 20 years. 1 Two of the major theories of the pathogenesis of vitiligo are the autoimmune theory and the autocytotoxicity theory. 1, 2 The autoimmune theory speculates that patients with vitiligo form autoantibodies against melanocytes.
Do corticosteroids help with vitiligo?
It has been posited that corticosteroids are effective in treating vitiligo because they limit the amount of antimelanocyte autoantibodies produced. 11 Other authors have strongly suggested that both cell-mediated and humoral immunity play an important role in generalized vitiligo vulgaris. 1.
Is tacrolimus safe for children?
Topical tacrolimus has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of atopic dermatitis. At 0.03% concentration, it has been approved for use in children aged 2 to 15 years, while a 0.1% concentration has been approved for use in adults.
Can phototherapy be used on the eyelids?
Phototherapy cannot be administered to the eyelids owing to the need for protective eyewear in the phototherapy booth. Solution.
Is tacrolimus safe for atopic dermatitis?
2, 11, 13, 15. Systemic absorption of topical tacrolimus has been documented to be very limited in trials of topical tacrolimus for atopic dermatitis.
Diagnosis
Treatment
Lifestyle and Home Remedies
Alternative Medicine
Specialist to consult
Preparing For Your Appointment
- Your health care provider will ask about your medical history and examine your skin, possibly with a special lamp. The evaluation might also include a skin biopsy and blood tests.