Is Vitiligo Treatable?
No treatment exists for vitiligo. The goal of medical treatment is to create a skin tone that is neither too light nor too dark by depigmenting or repigmenting the epidermis. Repigmentation therapy, camouflage, surgery, and light therapy are the most common treatments for acne. Counseling may also be recommended.
1- Pigmentation treatment
Mild vitamin D analogues
Corticosteroids may be applied topically (as a cream) or consumed orally (as a pill).
Immunomodulators such as calcineurin inhibitors applied topically
Results could take longer than three months. The healthcare provider will examine the patient for any adverse effects, which may include striae (stretch marks) or skin thinning if the medication is used for an extended period of time.
2- Camouflage treatment
Utilizing sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Additionally, the sunscreen must block both ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B rays (UVA and UVB). The use of sunscreens reduces pigmentation, thereby diminishing the distinction between healthy and affected skin.
If vitiligo affects the hair, hair pigments may be used. Makeup helps conceal depigmented areas. The well-known brand Dermablend
If the condition is severe, monobenzone therapy for depigmentation may be beneficial. This medication is applied to the epidermis of pigmented patches and turns them white to match the vitiligo areas.
3- Light treatment
UVA (PUVA) and oral psoralen are used to treat vitiligo on extensive skin areas. This treatment is more likely to be successful for patients with vitiligo on the trunk, head, legs, upper limbs, and neck.
Excimer laser emits ultraviolet light with a wavelength comparable to that of a narrow band of UVB. This is effective for patients without large or widespread lesions, as it is performed in a limited effective area.
Narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) requires two to three treatment sessions per week for several months.
4- Surgical
Micropigmentation is a form of tattooing that is typically administered to the lips of vitiligo patients.
Autologous (patient-derived) epidermis grafts: Each portion of the patient’s skin is harvested and used to cover the other portion. Possible complications include infection, scarring, and inability to repigment. This is also referred to as mini-grafting.
5- Consultation
Vitiligo may cause psychological distress and has the potential to affect a person’s social interactions and outlook. If this occurs, your caregiver may suggest you seek out a therapist or join a support group.
However, vitiligo treatments rely on restoring pigment to the skin to alter its appearance. Therefore, the effect of treatment is typically not permanent, and it cannot always control the condition’s progression and spread. A doctor may suggest:
A recommendation for camouflage lotions
Sun security
A topical steroid (asteroid-containing ointment or lotion).
Further treatment may not be necessary if, for example, you have a minor area of vitiligo or your natural skin color is light. (9)
