Home phototherapy for patients with vitiligo: challenges and solutions

Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology
Mary Patricia SmithMio Nakamura

Abstract

Vitiligo is a chronic autoimmune condition involving selective dysfunction and destruction of melanocytes in the skin, hair, or both. The typical presentation is well-demarcated depigmented skin patches. Given vitiligo is the most common cause of depigmentation worldwide and early disease responds best to treatment, prompt diagnosis and proactive management of vitiligo are critical. While a wide variety of treatments has demonstrated variable effectiveness in treating vitiligo, phototherapy remains standard of care because of its proven efficacy and favorable side effect profile. However, many patients with vitiligo are unable to access affordable, consistent, or convenient phototherapy. To address these issues, home-based phototherapy has emerged as a patient-centered alternative. The purpose of this review is to discuss management of vitiligo with a specific focus on access to home-based phototherapy (HBPT) for patients with this condition. Key challenges to HBPT include misperceptions around safety and efficacy, inadequate physician education and training, insurance and financial barriers, and appropriate patient selection. Solutions to these challenges are presented, such as approaches to improve physician education and inc...Continue Reading

Citations

Jun 24, 2020·Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology·Ümit TürsenTorello Lotti
Aug 4, 2020·Current Pharmaceutical Design·Diana EsquivelAnand Srivastava
Oct 10, 2021·Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine·Rita Bouceiro MendesPaulo Filipe

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