Vitiligo. An overview of therapeutic approaches

Vitiligo often induces severe cosmetic disfigurement in patients. These patients must function in a society that places profound emphasis and social significance on appearance. Although physically healthy, many patients are greatly affected psychologically by the disease. Hence, concerted efforts should be made to treat these individuals. Despite the inherent difficulties in stimulating melanocytes to repigment vitiliginous lesions, a variety of medical, surgical, and adjunctive/alternative therapies benefit innumerable patients with vitiligo. These treatments may be used as monotherapies or combination therapies to achieve optimal results.