No drug can stop the process of vitiligo — the loss of pigment cells
(melanocytes). But some drugs, used alone or with light therapy, can help
improve your skin's appearance.
Many treatments are available to help restore skin color or even out skin tone. Results vary and are unpredictable. Some treatments have serious side effects. So your doctor may suggest that you first try improving the appearance of your skin by applying self-tanning products or makeup.
Corticosteroids
Topical corticosteroids are a type of medication that contain steroids. You apply them to your skin as a cream or ointment.
They can sometimes stop the spread of the white patches and may restore some of your original skin colour.
A topical corticosteroid may be prescribed to adults if:
you have non-segmental vitiligo on less than 10% of your body
you want further treatment (sun protection advice and camouflage creams are enough for some people)
you aren't pregnant
you understand and accept the risk of side effects
Topical corticosteroids can be used on the face, but care should be taken in selecting and using this type of medication on your face.
Topical Corticosteroids
Your GP may prescribe a cream or an ointment, depending on what you prefer and where it will be used. Ointments tend to be greasier. Creams are better in your joints – for example, inside your elbows.
Possible corticosteroids that may be prescribed include:
fluticasone propionate
betamethasone valerate
hydrocortisone butyrate
Your GP will tell you how to apply the cream or ointment to the patches and how much you should use. You normally need to apply the treatment once a day.
Topical corticosteroids are measured in a standard unit called the fingertip unit (FTU). One FTU is the amount of topical steroid squeezed along an adult's fingertip. One FTU is enough to treat an area of skin twice the size of an adult's hand.
Chinese medicine treatment for vitiligo
Many treatments are available to help restore skin color or even out skin tone. Results vary and are unpredictable. Some treatments have serious side effects. So your doctor may suggest that you first try improving the appearance of your skin by applying self-tanning products or makeup.
Corticosteroids
Topical corticosteroids are a type of medication that contain steroids. You apply them to your skin as a cream or ointment.
They can sometimes stop the spread of the white patches and may restore some of your original skin colour.
A topical corticosteroid may be prescribed to adults if:
you have non-segmental vitiligo on less than 10% of your body
you want further treatment (sun protection advice and camouflage creams are enough for some people)
you aren't pregnant
you understand and accept the risk of side effects
Topical corticosteroids can be used on the face, but care should be taken in selecting and using this type of medication on your face.
Topical Corticosteroids
Your GP may prescribe a cream or an ointment, depending on what you prefer and where it will be used. Ointments tend to be greasier. Creams are better in your joints – for example, inside your elbows.
Possible corticosteroids that may be prescribed include:
fluticasone propionate
betamethasone valerate
hydrocortisone butyrate
Your GP will tell you how to apply the cream or ointment to the patches and how much you should use. You normally need to apply the treatment once a day.
Topical corticosteroids are measured in a standard unit called the fingertip unit (FTU). One FTU is the amount of topical steroid squeezed along an adult's fingertip. One FTU is enough to treat an area of skin twice the size of an adult's hand.
Chinese medicine treatment for vitiligo
