Vitiligo: Updated Guidelines, New Treatments Reviewed

Summary: Many people with vitiligo are told their skin condition cannot be treated, but that is finally changing! Vitiligo is a real disease that causes patches of skin to lose their color. It is not just a cosmetic issue; it can deeply affect a person's mental health, leading to anxiety or depression.

The good news is that new guidelines and treatments are here. For mild cases, doctors might just keep an eye on it. For moderate cases, creams like tacrolimus are now officially approved for kids as young as two. The biggest breakthrough is a new targeted cream called ruxolitinib. It can bring back skin color, especially on the face, though patients may need to keep using it to maintain their results. Doctors also recommend light therapy (narrowband UVB) to speed up the healing process, which is totally safe and doesn't increase skin cancer risk. Even more pill-based treatments are being tested right now, bringing fresh hope to patients everywhere.

Source: MDedge Family Medicine URL: mdedge.com/familymedicine/article/272177/pigmentation-disorders/vitiligo-updated-guidelines-new-treatments-reviewed (opens in new tab)