Systemic Therapy
Our mission is to help all patients with vitiligo, providing access to medical specialist support & treatments close to home, no matter where you live.
Systemic Therapy
Our mission is to help all patients with vitiligo, providing access to medical specialist support & treatments close to home, no matter where you live.
Tablets for Progressive Vitiligo
First-line treatments for vitiligo involve topical medications and phototherapy. In specialist centres such as ours, there is an opportunity to consider systemic therapy (or oral medications) for some patients with vitiligo.
There are some patients with vitiligo who have rapidly worsening of their condition, despite being on first line treatments. This can not only be emotionally extremely distressing, but also relate to a worse outcome in terms of future treatment. There are another group of patients who have gradual worsening of their vitiligo, despite having tried both topical treatments and phototherapy. For these patients, there is an option of being prescribed tablets that may halt the progression of their vitiligo. Tablets for vitiligo may either be corticosteroid on immunosuppressive medications. These all have their own set of benefits, actions and side-effects, and your dermatologist will discuss this in depth prior to commencement, if they are indeed suitable for your condition.
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids are a cornerstone of management of a number of inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, not only involving the skin but for the whole body. They work by reducing the inflammation associated with many of these conditions. Long-term corticosteroid use may result in side-effects, but they may be very valuable for shorter periods of time in vitiligo to ‘short-circuit’ the auto-immune reaction, reduce inflammation and subsequently induce regimentation.
Immunosuppressants
There are a range of immune suppressing medications that are utilised in dermatology. Some of these are appropriate to be used in rapidly progressive, or resistant vitiligo.
In vitiligo, immunosuppressants are mainly prescribed by specialist dermatologists who sub-specialise in this condition, and is commenced after a detailed discussion with patients about the pros and cons.
Vitamins and Supplements
There is evidence that vitamin and supplements helps overall skin health and reduces inflammation as a whole. Your dermatologist will liaise with our team of dieticians and nutritionists to advise on any appropriate vitamin and supplements that will be useful in improving your vitiligo and skin condition as a whole.
Book Your Free Initial Review
Interested in a free initial review? Book an initial consult with one of our Dermal Assistants. We have telehealth and in-clinic appointments available just get in touch!