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Vitiligo. Therapeutic advances
1Department of Dermatology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Japan.
Dermatologic Clinics
|May 20, 1998
Summary
Vitiligo treatment options include PUVA therapy and surgical grafts for repigmentation. New modalities like pseudocatalase with UVB show promise, while psychological support is crucial for patients.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Cosmetic Science
Background:
- Vitiligo causes significant cosmetic disfigurement and psychological distress.
- Current treatments focus on repigmentation of depigmented macules.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current and emerging treatment modalities for vitiligo.
- To highlight the importance of psychological support in vitiligo management.
Main Methods:
- Review of nonsurgical (medical) and surgical approaches for vitiligo.
- Discussion of PUVA (psoralen plus ultraviolet A) therapy, autologous skin grafts, and melanocyte transplantation.
- Exploration of novel treatments like pseudocatalase and UVB phototherapy.
- Consideration of monobenzyl ether of hydroquinone for depigmentation in generalized vitiligo.
Main Results:
- PUVA therapy is currently a leading method for vitiligo repigmentation.
- Surgical grafts, especially when combined with PUVA, can enhance repigmentation efficiency.
- Emerging treatments offer new hope, necessitating further research into vitiligo's underlying biology.
- Monobenzyl ether of hydroquinone can be used for cosmetic depigmentation in severe cases.
Conclusions:
- Vitiligo management requires a multifaceted approach, including established therapies, novel treatments, and psychological support.
- Continued research into the pathophysiology of vitiligo is essential for developing more effective therapies.