Vitiligo

Treatment:

Most vitiligo goes untreated. Treatment is difficult and often not completely effective. Treatment involves giving the patients photosensitizing compounds then exposing them to ultraviolet light. Topical or oral 8-methoxypsoralen or trimethylpsoralen treatments must be repeated multiple times in order to achieve even partial repigmentation.

Expectations (prognosis):

The course of vitiligo varies. Some areas may repigment, but other new areas may appear. Depigmentation may be progressive.

Complications:

Depigmented areas are more likely to sunburn. Vitiligo is associated with three systemic diseases: 1) pernicious anemia, 2) hyperthyroidism, 3) Addison's disease

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you develop areas of skin that lose their coloring; there may be a need to test or monitor for diseases associated with vitiligo.