Vitiligo treatment, a combined approach...

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Vitiligo treatment is based on current knowledge about the cause of vitiligo:

(1) The body’s immune system may destroy melanocytes. Pigment may be destroyed as the body responds to a substance it perceives as foreign (the most accepted theory).

(2) There is genetic defect that makes the melanocytes susceptible to injury. 

(3) Abnormally functioning nerve cells may produce toxic substances that injure melanocytes

(4) Melanocytes self-destruction. While pigment is forming, toxic byproducts could be produced injuring and destroying melanocytes.

Researchers believe that a combination of these theories may provide the best explanation. Each one offers a rationales for different treatments. Current knowledge about how the skin pigmentation process occurs is also helping to design better treatments.

A cure for Vitiligo requires the combination of different targets: 

Limiting or stopping Vitiligo autoimmune reaction against melanocytes (ex. corticosteroids), 

Protecting melanocytes from a group of harmful products called "free radicals", which are the result of the autoimmune response that causes Vitiligo depigmentation (ex. vitamins, pseudocatalase), 

Stimulating melanocytes to produce melanin (ex. UVA, UVB, PUVA, controlled sunlight exposure), 

Replacing melanocytes (a modality of surgical treatment) by transplanting grafts from uninvolved skin into the affected areas.

A combination of several of the above mechanisms (ex. Novitil). 

A combined approach to the treatment of Vitiligo assumes that each one of the mechanisms mentioned above has a role as a cause of the disease and consequently should be addressed. Some difficult cases may require the use, at the same time, of products/treatments with different and complementary mechanisms of actions, it may include, for example:

A temporary, limited use of a steroid cream (consult with your  doctor).

Vitamins and minerals.

Light treatment plus Novitil.

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