Vitiligo Treatments

We are highly specialized in surgical treatment (melanocyte transplantation) of vitiligo and other similar skin disorders where the pigment cells are lost. But all vitiligo patients are not suitable candidates for surgical interventions and below on this page we are describing some other treatment options  which can be used when transplantation is not the first choice. To learn more about melanocyte transplantation and their pros and cons please refer to Melanocyte Transplantation page on this website.

Other methods for the treatment of vitiligo

The suitable method for the treatment of vitiligo is chosen by the vitiligo expert according to several factors including the localisation of vitiligo patches, the presence of pigmented hair on the patches, the surface area of lesions, the stability of vitiligo lesions etc. Here are some examples of the treatments in each case:

–    There are fully pigmented hairs on vitiligo patches, patches are widespread over the whole body and vitiligo is unstable (new lesions during the last year): UVB phototherapy combined with topical treatments. Melanocyte transplantation is here NOT recommended due to vitiligo instability and/or extensive spread..

–    There are pigmented hairs on vitiligo patches; patches are small and make less than 10% of body surface area and vitiligo is unstable (new lesions during the last year): Excimer laser combined with topical treatments. Melanocyte transplantation is NOT recommended due to vitiligo instability.

–    Vitiligo patches occupy more than half of the face: one of the treatment options is the depigmentation therapy. In this case, the treatment through the application of a cream based on “monobenzyl ether of hydroquinone” (MBEH) on the still normally pigmented skin areas of the face causes the complete depigmentation of skin producing a uniformly white skin. This treatment does NOT cause the hairs (eyebrows, eyelashes etc) to become white. The treatment can take several months but the results are permanent. Other parts of body can also be depigmented through this method.

In cases of stable vitiligo (not in an increasing stage) with limited distribution (less than 10% of the body surface) and in all cases of segmental vitiligo and all cases of piebaldism, transplantation of melanocytes is an effective treatment option.