What medication should be applied for vitiligo in the early stage?

Dec 01, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Introduction
Vitiligo, commonly known as "baidianfeng," may be initially treated with topical medications such as halometasone lotion, tacrolimus ointment, calcipotriol gel, psoralen tincture, and nitrogen mustard ethanol solution. The choice of medication should depend on the location and extent of skin lesions, and treatment must follow medical advice. If white patches enlarge, increase in number, or cause skin discomfort, prompt medical attention is necessary.

Leucoderma usually refers to vitiligo. In the early stages of vitiligo, topical medications such as halometasone lotion, tacrolimus ointment, calcipotriol gel, psoralen tincture, and nitrogen mustard ethanol solution can be applied. The choice of medication should depend on the location and extent of skin lesions, and treatment should follow medical advice. If white patches enlarge, increase in number, or cause skin discomfort, prompt medical attention is necessary.

1. Halometasone Lotion: A glucocorticoid drug that exerts anti-inflammatory effects and suppresses abnormal immune responses, helping prevent the spread of white patches and protecting pigment cells. It is suitable for patients with small lesion areas and stable conditions in the early stage.

2. Tacrolimus Ointment: A calcineurin inhibitor that modulates local immune function, prevents damage to pigment cells, and promotes melanin production. It is ideal for early-stage lesions on delicate skin areas such as the face and neck.

3. Calcipotriol Gel: A vitamin D3 derivative that helps regulate skin cell activity, improves the local immune microenvironment, and supports pigmentation. It is often used in combination with other drugs to enhance treatment efficacy in the early stage.

4. Psoralen Tincture: A topical preparation containing psoralen that increases skin sensitivity to ultraviolet light, activates melanocytes, and aids pigment regeneration. It is suitable for localized vitiligo in the early stage.

5. Nitrogen Mustard Ethanol Solution: Works by suppressing the activity of abnormal immune cells, reducing damage to pigment cells, and promoting repigmentation. It is appropriate for patients with clearly defined borders of skin lesions in the early stage.

In daily life, keep the affected skin clean, avoid friction or scratching, wear loose, breathable cotton clothing, avoid excessive sun exposure, consume more foods rich in tyrosine, and maintain emotional stability to create favorable conditions for effective medication action.