Vitiligo?
You have more options than you think.
The autoimmune disease that causes loss of skin color has been costly and hard to treat. But we’re working on giving you new options. Learn about the cutting-edge study treatments being investigated in your neighborhood.
7
treatment options currently available for Vitiligo — none reverse the process of skin depigmentation.
20%
of people with Vitiligo have at least one close relative who also has it. 1
~15%
of people with Vitiligo also have at least one other autoimmune disorder, like rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, psoriasis, pernicious anemia, Addison disease, or systemic lupus erythematosus. 2
It's a very exciting time for Vitiligo. We are learning more about the specific autoimmune pathways involved, so we can develop more effective and safe treatments for patients. Our hope is that the clinical studies going on right now will lead to the first oral treatment approved by the FDA.”
Dr. Lisa B. Travis
New York Times Magazine’s “NY Super Doctors”
It's a very exciting time for Vitiligo. We are learning more about the specific autoimmune pathways involved, so we can develop more effective and safe treatments for patients. Our hope is that the clinical studies going on right now will lead to the first oral treatment approved by the FDA.”
Dr. Lisa B. Travis
New York Times Magazine’s “NY Super Doctors”
Vitiligo Clinical Trials
Learn about the newest Vitiligo study treatments now being investigated, including cutting-edge options available to clinical trial participants.
TrialSpark is now recruiting for a trial that tests the effectiveness of a study drug FDA-approved for Rheumatoid Arthritis on Vitiligo symptoms.
Treatments Today
Current Vitiligo treatments can be expensive, time-intensive, and often painful, and are not guaranteed to work. Most treatments on the market aim to create uniformity in skin color, which means patients are often left to choose between not treating their symptoms or using treatments that lighten their skin tone.
7
treatments on the market in 2019 including prescription and over-the-counter.
Cosmetics
Makeup, self-tanners, and skin dyes, which are the safest ways to approach vitiligo. The goal is to camoflauge lost skin color. Note: this process is time consuming as must be repeated every day.
Availablity
OTC; Beauty
Brands
N/A
Drug Class
N/A
Generic
N/A
Diprolene
This medication is used to treat a variety of skin conditions (e.g., eczema, dermatitis, allergies, rash). Betamethasone reduces the swelling, itching, and redness that can occur in these types of conditions. The strength depends on the form (cream, gel, or ointment) that you use.
Availablity
RX; Prescription
Brands
Diprolene, Luxiq, Sernivo
Drug Class
Topical Corticosteroid
Generic
Betamethasone Topical
Topicort
This medication is used to treat a variety of skin conditions (e.g., eczema, dermatitis, allergies, rash). Desoximetasone reduces the swelling, itching and redness that can occur in these types of conditions. This medication is a strong corticosteroid.
Availablity
RX; Prescription
Brands
Topicort, Topicort LP
Drug Class
Topical Corticosteroid
Generic
Desoximetasone Topical
Temovate Ointment
This medication is used to treat a variety of skin conditions (e.g., eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, allergies, rash). Clobetasol reduces the swelling, itching, and redness that can occur in these types of conditions. This medication is a very strong (super-high-potency) corticosteroid.
Availablity
RX
Brands
Clobex, Clodan, Cormax, Olux, Olux-E, Temovate
Drug Class
Topical Corticosteroid
Generic
Clobetasol Topical
Tacrolimus Ointment
This form of tacrolimus is used on the skin to treat eczema (atopic dermatitis) in patients who have not responded well to other eczema medications. It works by weakening the skin's immune system, thereby decreasing the allergic reaction and relieving the eczema. Tacrolimus belongs to a class of drugs known as topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs).
Availablity
RX; Off Label Use
Brands
Protopic
Drug Class
Topical Calcineurin Inhibitors (TCIs)
Generic
Tacrolimus
Skin Bleaching
Depigmentation, the process of removing the remaining pigment from unaffected skin in order to create uniform, 100% depigmented white skin. This treatment is a rare option, and for individuals who have little pigment left as it is. MBEH or monobenzone is the most commonly used depigmenting agent for vitiligo and the only depigmentation treatment approved by the FDA.
Availablity
RX
Brands
N/A
Drug Class
Benoquin
Generic
Monobenzone
Puva Therapy
PUVA treatment involves making your skin extra sensitive to UVA by means of a psoralen, which is either taken orally as tablets, 2 hours prior to each treatment session, or by the application of a solution, lotion or gel directly onto your skin (sometimes in a bath – bath PUVA).
Availablity
RX; Prescription
Brands
8-Mop, Oxsoralen-Ultra
Drug Class
N/A
Generic
Methoxsalen
Narrowband UVB Therapy
Exposure to UVB photo therapy, and does not require the application of Psoralen beforehand. This treatment is more effective on face and neck as compared to PUVA.
Availablity
OTC or Doctor's Office
Brands
N/A
Drug Class
N/A
Generic
N/A
Holistic
Some vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and enzymes have been reported to restore skin color in people who have vitiligo, however most have not been thoroughly studied. Ginkgo biloba, an herb, is being investigated further. Early results indicate that the herb may restore skin color and stop vitiligo from worsening.
Availablity
OTC; Wellness
Brands
N/A
Drug Class
N/A
Generic
N/A
A lot of people with vitiligo want better treatments. While existing treatments can be effective, there are so many potential downsides including the time commitment, side effects, expense and remission period.
Erika P
22 years with Vitiligo
A lot of people with vitiligo want better treatments. While existing treatments can be effective, there are so many potential downsides including the time commitment, side effects, expense and remission period.
Erika P
22 years with Vitiligo
Vitiligo In the News
From the latest relevant research and Vitiligo expert interviews to personal stories and advice on managing your symptoms, here’s everything about Vitiligo that’s making headlines.
Breakthrough Vitiligo Treatment Offers Longer-Lasting Results
Longer-lasting treatment for vitiligo could be available within the next few years. According to John Harris, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Vitiligo Clinic and Research Center at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, a new treatment targets and removes the cells responsible for developing the condition.
How Vitiligo Made Our Friendship Stronger
Vitiligo is a rare and misunderstood skin condition, and its sufferers are often stigmatised and isolated. But it has brought these two friends closer together, and helped make them determined to get the most out of life.
Vitiligo Patients Can Undergo Novel Treatment With Shorter Disease Stability
This technique combines noncultured epidermal cell suspense (NCES) with noncultured dermal cell suspension (NDCS) transplantation to treat vitiligo.
Vitiligo May Protect Against Internal Malignancy
Patients with the autoimmune disorder vitiligo have a “markedly reduced” risk for developing malignancies of internal organs compared with other individuals, Korean researchers report.
Vitiligo FAQ
Whether you’re considering participating in a clinical trial or just looking for more information about Vitiligo, we want you to keep you informed about living with Vitiligo, your treatment options, and the clinical trial process.
Join a Vitiligo Community
Connect with others who have vitiligo to discuss your symptoms, experiences, treatment options, and more.
Stay updated on Vitiligo.
We'll keep you updated on new and emerging treatments.
See if you qualify for a trial.
New study treatments that may help address your condition are being developed and investigated.
Updated June 2019