Depigmentation Therapies for Vitiligo

Abstract

The general goals of medical management of vitiligo are to repigment vitiliginous areas of skin and to stabilize the progression of depigmentation. However, for some patients with vitiligo affecting extensive body surface areas who are unresponsive to repigmentation therapies, depigmentation of the remaining normal skin may be a better choice. Candidates for depigmentation therapy should be carefully screened and patient education is essential. Permanent topical therapies used for depigmentation include monobenzyl ether of hydroquinone, 4-methoxyphenol, and 88% phenol. Physical modalities, such as cryotherapy and lasers, are also being used successfully.

Keywords: 4-Methoxyphenol; Depigmentation; Disorders of appearance; MBEH; Mequinol; Monobenzyl ether of hydroquinone; Pigmentary disorders; Vitiligo.