Different Advanced Therapeutic Approaches to Treat Vitiligo

J Environ Pathol Toxicol Oncol. 2015;34(4):321-34. doi: 10.1615/jenvironpatholtoxicoloncol.2015014168.

Abstract

Vitiligo is a hypopigmentation disorder that is caused by the loss of melanocyte activity for melanin pigment generation. Vitiligo is distinguished by the existence of white macules. Vitiligo affects 0.1%-2% of individuals of different populations, irrespective of skin color, ethnic origin, race, or age. Although the actual mechanism behind this disease is not yet known, it is thought to be caused by a cumulative effect of various mechanisms (e.g., neurohormonal, genetic, cytotoxic, oxidative stress, autoimmune, and biochemical). This article reviews the published literature on various treatment modalities that might be effective in successfully treating patients with vitiligo, including phototherapies or some photochemotherapies, vitamin D analogs, topical and systemic corticosteroids, zinc treatment, anti-tumor necrosis factor agents, calcineurin inhibitors (tacrolimus, pimecrolimus), and surgical methods. This critical review also discusses a few herbal medications that may be worthy of future investigation because they have no significant side effects.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Cutaneous
  • Administration, Oral
  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / administration & dosage
  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / therapeutic use
  • Calcineurin Inhibitors / administration & dosage
  • Calcineurin Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Calcitriol / administration & dosage
  • Calcitriol / analogs & derivatives
  • Calcitriol / therapeutic use
  • Dermatologic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Dermatologic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Phototherapy / methods*
  • Skin Transplantation* / methods
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Vitiligo / drug therapy
  • Vitiligo / surgery
  • Vitiligo / therapy*

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones
  • Calcineurin Inhibitors
  • Dermatologic Agents
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
  • calcipotriene
  • Calcitriol