When to Initiate Referral
- Poor response to the above treatments after 3 months
- Extensive or distressing vitiligo
Treatment Basics
- Treatment depends on the patient’s age, cultural beliefs, and the location and extent of the affected areas
- Consider mid to high-potency topical steroids with “steroid holidays”
- Emphasize importance of sun protection as affected areas at-risk for the sequelae of acute and chronic sun exposure
- In some patients, cover-up cosmetics may be appropriate (Dermablend, Covermark)
- An excellent resource and support group is the National Vitiligo Foundation: www.vitiligofoundation.org
Vitiligo on the Face, Axillae, Inguinal Folds or Genitalia
- Tacrolimus 03% or 0.1% ointment or pimecrolimus 1% cream once to twice daily until clear (medications are approved for children 2 years or older)
Vitiligo on the Trunk or Extremities
- Triamcinolone 1% ointment once or twice daily on the weekends and tacrolimus ointment or pimecrolimus cream once or twice daily on the weekends