Treatment & Care

There are three main goals for vitiligo treatment:
-stop or slow the spread of vitiligo patches
-bring color back (also called repigmentation)
-keep that color once it returns

Treating vitiligo is your choice. It is safe to leave vitiligo untreated. But there are related health conditions to monitor for, so it’s a good idea to see a dermatologist for regular screening.

A board-certified dermatologist, dermatology physician associate, or dermatology nurse practitioner are the best options for vitiligo treatment.  In some cases, a general practitioner or pediatrician can treat vitiligo, but a referral to a dermatology specialist is best.

Treatment works slowly and requires patience. The amount of repigmentation that you will experience depends on several things. First, consistent use of the prescribed treatment is the best predictor of success. Second, using the appropriate combination of treatments (often light therapy and a topical cream) improves the skin’s ability to repigment. Finally, the percentage of the body affected by vitiligo, distribution of the lesions (, and the length of time you have had the condition all play a part. Treatment results will vary by person and type of vitiligo. Some people will begin to see results within 3 to 6 months. Others may not see results for 8 months or more. Combination treatments will typically work faster than single (mono) therapy treatments. The rule of thumb is that you will need to allow at least 3 to 6 months before you begin to see results from ANY treatment. Additionally, you should expect to treat for up to two years or longer in order to see good results. It is vital to use any treatment consistently and correctly. If you don’t use a treatment as directed by your physician, it can take much longer to work or it may not work at all.