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Vitiligo Treatment Options

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There is no cure for vitiligo. Although treatment may be helpful in restoring your skin colour, it cannot prevent its spread or recurrence, and re-pigmentation may not be permanent.

Medical & Surgical Treatments
  • Topical corticosteroids. The application of a potent or very potent corticosteroid anti-inflammatory cream or ointment to areas of vitiligo may restore some pigment.

  • Calcineurin Inhibitors. There is another type of anti-inflammatory cream and ointment called a calcineurin inhibitor, which may also restore pigment in some patients.

  • Topical JAK inhibitor. Newest treatment option for vitiligo, which acts by blocking the immune system signals that cause the disease's characteristic white patches.

  • Oral corticosteroids: Short courses of oral corticosteroids can sometimes be considered if you have rapidly spreading vitiligo.

  • Phototherapy. This involves exposing affected skin to artificial ultraviolet light. Treatment often needs to be prolonged, usually comprising of hospital visits two to three times a week for several months.

Surgical Treatment
  • This process involves transplanting small areas of normal skin into areas of stable vitiligo.  

Cosmetic Approaches
  • Camouflage Makeup: High-quality concealers can help individuals mask depigmented areas.

Psychosocial Support
  • Counselling, support groups and advocacy organisations provide vital emotional support to individuals suffering with the psychological effects of vitiligo.

  • Professional help with developing coping mechanisms may be helpful for some people with vitiligo or their carers e.g. parents.

GLOVA Global Vitiligo Atlas

© 2025 GLOVA. Website designed by Lisa Piddington

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