If you have vitiligo, you know just how frustrating it can be to see a spreading loss of skin color or a new white patch. While it’s possible to live with vitiligo without it negatively affecting your health, many people struggle with self-consciousness. Though there is no cure for vitiligo yet, there are treatments that can improve the appearance.
At Greater Miami Skin & Laser Center, board-certified dermatologists Dr. Martin Zaiac have treated numerous patients with vitiligo. Here’s what you need to know about the most effective therapies for restoring lost skin color.
Topical Treatments for Vitiligo
Topical vitiligo medications could slow the progression or restore lost pigment. Dr. Zaiac may prescribe the synthetic vitamin D derivative calcipotriene in combination with a corticosteroid to promote re-pigmentation. Calcineurin inhibitors like tacrolimus or pimecrolimus can also help children and adults manage vitiligo.
Breakthroughs in topical vitiligo treatments are ongoing. In 2022, the FDA approved OPZELURA™ (ruxolitinib) cream for the treatment of nonsegmental vitiligo in patients 12 years or older. This JAK inhibitor is highly successful in some patients. Clinical studies show about 50 percent of participants achieve a 50 percent improvement in facial vitiligo, and 20 to 25 percent achieve a 50 percent improvement in the total body.
Light Therapy for Vitiligo
Some cases of vitiligo are more responsive to light therapy. This treatment involves standing in an NB-UVB light box several times a week and works best on the face and trunk. Another type of light therapy is PUVA which involves taking or applying the medication psoralen, which makes your skin more sensitive to light, then receiving waves of UVA on the affected areas. If you have localized vitiligo patches, targeted XTRAC® laser therapy could be effective.
Get Professional Vitiligo Treatment in Miami Beach
Vitiligo can be distressing for many patients, but you don’t have to go through it alone. The welcoming and experienced providers at Greater Miami Skin & Laser Center can talk through top treatment options, answer any questions, and create the most effective management plan. Call 305-532-4478 to book your vitiligo treatment appointment in Miami Beach, Florida.
