Top 4 management options for vitiligo

Vitiligo is an autoimmune condition wherein the skin gradually loses color or pigment. White patches, in particular, are a common warning sign of vitiligo. These patches result from skin depigmentation and can occur anywhere on the body, such as the face, hands, neck, arms, elbows, feet, wrists, ankles, and groin. Doctors may recommend several treatment options to manage the symptoms and ensure they do not worsen or lead to health conditions.
1. Topical creams
Doctors prescribe topical creams or ointments with special ingredients to vitiligo patients for skin repigmentation. One can ask the doctor which cream would work best for their case and apply it as they recommend.
2. Light therapy
With the help of light therapy, vitiligo patients can achieve repigmentation successfully. Here, patients are made to stand in a light box that directs UV rays toward the affected skin. These rays restore pigmentation and help prevent new patches from forming. Phototherapy exposure times can vary for each patient. The treatment is most effective for restoring pigmentation on the face and neck.
3. Oral treatment
Some vitiligo treatments are to be taken orally to slow down the development of patches and spots on the skin and stimulate repigmentation. Doctors decide on a possible treatment after discussing viable options with the patient.
4. Surgery
Vitiligo patients who do not improve with other treatments may be prescribed surgery. Here, a surgeon might perform a skin graft procedure by covering the patches with healthy skin from another region. Alternatively, a cell transplant surgery can be performed, where cells are extracted from healthy or pigmented skin and administered into the skin patches to stimulate repigmentation.
Treatment results can take some time. Additionally, it is best for those with vitiligo to talk to their doctors before using any products. Some products may exacerbate their condition, so a patch test is always recommended.