Generality
Vitiligo is a skin disease characterized by a reduced presence - or a total lack - of melanin in some areas of the skin. In the first case we speak of "skin hypopigmentation, while in the second case we speak of depigmentation.
The skin areas most affected by vitiligo are the nails and the areas of the eyes, genitals and anus, but it can also affect the hands, face and neck.
Causes
An autoimmune component plays a very important role in the etiology of vitiligo. In fact, the individual's defense cells react abnormally, attacking melanocytes and altering their ability to produce melanin. However, the exact reason why this is still happening has not been fully clarified.
However, genetic predisposition appears to play an important role in the development of the disease.
The risk factors that could favor the onset of vitiligo, on the other hand, are thyroid dysfunction, stress, type 1 diabetes and Addison's disease.
Symptoms
The characteristic symptom of Vitiligo consists in the appearance of white patches in correspondence of the skin areas affected by the disease. Other symptoms that vitiligo patients may exhibit are itching, paleness, gray hair, alopecia and exophthalmos.
In addition, individuals with vitiligo are at an increased risk of sunburn and sunburn, since their skin is completely or partially free of melanin.
The information on Vitiligo - Vitiligo Cure Drugs is not intended to replace the direct relationship between health professional and patient. Always consult your doctor and / or specialist before taking Vitiligo - Vitiligo Treatment Drugs.
Medicines
The first-line pharmacological treatment undertaken against vitiligo is that based on corticosteroids or topical immunosuppressive drugs.
Another type of treatment that can be undertaken to cure vitiligo is PUVA therapy. The latter is a particular type of therapy which is based on the oral (or topical) administration of particular photosensitizing substances - called psoralens - and on the subsequent irradiation of the patient with UV rays at certain wavelengths. The aim of this treatment is to restore the melanocyte activity previously compromised by the autoimmune response.
Finally, in some cases, the doctor may also consider the eventual melanocyte transplant.
The following are the classes of drugs most used in the therapy against vitiligo and some examples of pharmacological specialties; it is up to the doctor to choose the active ingredient and dosage most suitable for the patient, based on the severity of the disease, the state of health of the patient and his response to treatment.
Corticosteroids
As mentioned, topical corticosteroids are among the first choice drugs in the treatment of vitiligo. However, due to the serious side effects they can cause (stretch marks, skin thinning and acne) their use should only be under close medical supervision.
Corticosteroids are powerful anti-inflammatory drugs that can help the skin's repigmentation process. However, their use is usually limited to cases of localized vitiligo.
Among the corticosteroids that can be used, we remember:
- Betamethasone (Beben ®, Ecoval ®, Diprosone ®): Betamethasone is available for dermal administration in the form of creams, ointments, solutions, skin emulsions and gels. Generally, it is recommended to apply the betamethasone-based product for skin use directly on the affected area 1-2 times a day. In any case, it is imperative to carefully follow the instructions given by your doctor.
- Clobetasol (Clobesol ®, Olux ®): clobetasol is also available in various pharmaceutical formulations for cutaneous use. Usually, it is recommended to perform one or two applications of the product a day, directly on the affected area. However, even in this case, it is essential to follow the instructions provided by the doctor.
Immunosuppressants
Topical immunosuppressants can also be used to counter vitiligo. These drugs work by suppressing the activity of the immune system, consequently decreasing the autoimmune response to melanocytes that characterizes vitiligo.
Among the active ingredients used, we find:
- Tacrolimus (Protopic ®): tacrolimus is usually used for the treatment of atopic dermatitis, but it can also be used in the therapy against vitiligo. It is available for topical administration in the form of an ointment for cutaneous use. The product must be applied to the skin in a thin layer. The frequency of administration and the duration of treatment must be established by the physician for each patient.
- Pimecrolimus (Elidel ®): also pimecrolimus - similarly to tacrolimus - is normally used in the treatment of atopic dermatitis, but is also used in the treatment of vitiligo.It is available in the form of a skin cream that should be applied to the affected area once or twice a day. In any case, the exact dosage of the medicine will have to be established by the doctor, therefore, it is necessary to strictly follow the instructions provided by him.
