Vitiligo: an update on systemic treatments

T. Searle, F. Al-Niaimi, F. R. Ali

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

20 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Summary Vitiligo is an autoimmune skin condition characterized by depigmented macules and patches, and has a huge psychosocial impact on patients. Treatment of vitiligo aims to prevent the spread of disease and facilitate repigmentation of affected lesions. The mainstay of treatment for unstable vitiligo has been topical agents (corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors) and phototherapy. However, systemic treatments are increasingly being shown to have a significant impact on the course of the disease as monotherapy or adjunctive therapy. Of note, oral mini-pulsed corticosteroid therapy, methotrexate, minocycline, ciclosporin, Janus kinase inhibitors and certain supplements have been used in the systemic treatment of vitiligo. We review the underlying evidence supporting the use of each of these systemic treatments.
Original languageEnglish
JournalClinical and Experimental Dermatology
Volume46
Issue number2
Pages (from-to)248-258
Number of pages11
ISSN0307-6938
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Mar 2021

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