Question: I have a friend who has vitiligo. He tried several treatments including creams and UV radiation treatment. Where can he find more information and treatment options?

Dr. Hibberd's Answer:

Vitiligo is a depigmentation disorder. There is not much literature available on this condition, because there have been no radical and very effective new treatments discovered.

You have described the conventional treatments, and you can go here for more information.

Occasionally, vitiligo is associated with other conditions that, when treated, will arrest the depigmentation process. Vitiligo is not to be confused with a common fungal infection called tinea versicolor that has characteristic areas of depigmentation predominately in the chest and trunk areas. See your doctor for guidance. If necessary, get a referral to a dermatologist or a medical doctor specializing in diseases of the skin.