Topical corticosteroids
Topical corticosteroids(TCS) have been applied since the 1950s for their anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating effects. As first-line treatment for limited forms of vitiligo TCS and topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCI) are now widely used.
Efficacy
Topical corticosteroids have the best results on sun-exposed areas (face and neck), indark skin and in recent lesions. Acral lesions respond poorly. When used in the short term, topical corticosteroids appear to be safe and effective treatment for both children and adults. Local side-effects (skin atrophy, telangiectasia, hypertrichosis, acneiform eruptions and striae) of potent or very potent topical corticosteroids are well known. Lower potency classes of topical corticosteroids and newer class III TCS, are largely devoid of these side-effects. Currently, there are no studies available on optimal duration of TCS therapy and on discontinuous applications that could improve the therapeutic index.
Calcineurin inhibitors
Since 2002 the beneficial effects of TCI have been reported, particularly in areas where prolonged use of potent TCS is contraindicated. Tacrolimus and pimecrolimus are topical ascomycin immunomodulating macrolactams (TIM) and act as TCI, affecting the activation ⁄maturation of T cells and subsequently inhibiting the production of cytokines, such as tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-a. Moreover, the enhancement of melanocyte migration and differentiation has been described.
The most common early reported side-effects for TIM are local reactions (burning sensation, pruritus and erythema). Although rare, transient skin hyperpigmentation has also been reported.
Topical antioxidants
Antioxidants for the treatment of vitiligo
If you have vitiligo, increasing intake of antioxidants may be the key to stopping the progression of the disease and even skin repigmentation.
It is experimentally demonstrated that keratinocytes obtained from vitiligo zones plates generate large numbers of superoxide anions - reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide. This is a known free radical toxic to melanocytes.
It is now known that patients suffering from generalized form of vitiligo has an imbalance between oxidant and antioxidant systems.
Appropriate means of food antioxidants in the treatment of vitiligo are the series of ViTiX. The products have no side effects and showed excellent good tolerability. ViTiX series contains powerful antioxidants that restore physiological levels of catalase activity.
ViTiX regulating gel contains a concentrated plant extract, protected by patent, a powerful antioxidant effect due to catalase.
ViTiX acts locally in the epidermis and creates ideal living environment of melanocytes (cells that produce pigment in the skin). Repigmentation of lesions can be seen as small spots of round or irregular shape where the melanocytes are not completely dead in the lesion.
In combination with phototherapy, the first results are visible between the second and fourth month of use of ViTiX.
VitiColor is a SELF TANNING gel that is specifically designed for patients with vitiligo. It masks the lesions, giving the skin a natural look.