How to treat vitiligo
Disease description:
White patches have appeared on my skin, and I have been diagnosed with vitiligo. I'm very concerned. I would like to ask about the current treatment options available.
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Vitiligo is a common depigmenting skin condition, and its treatment varies depending on the individual patient's circumstances. If any physical discomfort symptoms appear, it is recommended to seek medical attention at a hospital as soon as possible, followed by treatment according to medical advice.
Drug therapy is one of the primary methods for treating vitiligo, including the use of corticosteroids such as fluticasone propionate and halometasone, which help suppress the progression of white patches and improve symptoms. Oral medications such as compound glycyrrhizinic acid and immunomodulators also demonstrate certain therapeutic effects.
Phototherapy is another commonly used treatment method, such as narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) irradiation, which can enhance melanocyte activity and aid in repigmentation. This treatment involves exposing the affected skin to specific light sources to stimulate melanin production by melanocytes and reduce the area of depigmentation.
For patients with large or widespread lesions, systemic phototherapy or a combination of oral medications and localized treatments may be more effective. Finally, surgical treatments, such as autologous melanocyte transplantation, can be a viable option for certain patients.
