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FAQ
Corticosteroid drugs (like hydrocortisone, and others) are often used for treating vitiligo. By mimicing the effects of hormones your body produces naturally in your adrenal glands, corticosteroids can suppress the immune system and reduce the signs and symptoms of many conditions. But these drugs also carry a risk of serious side effects.
Side effects of corticosteroids
Oral corticosteroids (in tablets, capsules or syrup form) affect your entire body, and are the most likely to cause significant side effects:
- Increased risk of infections with common bacterial, viral and fungal microorganisms
- Cataracts (clouding of the lens)
- Glaucoma (elevated pressure in the eyes)
- Fluid retention (causing swelling in your legs and arms)
- Thinning bones (osteoporosis) and fractures
- High blood pressure
- High sugar levels (a concern for people with diabetes)
- Psychological effects, such as confusion or delirium, mood swings, memory fluctuations,
- Fatique, loss of appetite, nausea and muscle weakness
- Weight gain, with fat deposits in your abdomen, face and the back of your neck.
Topical corticosteroids can cause:
- Increased risk of infections with common bacterial, viral and fungal microorganisms
- Acne
- Skin thinning
- Bruising and slower wound healing
- Red skin lesions
- Facial flusing
- Insomnia
To reduce your risk of corticosteroid side effects, talk with your doctor about ways to minimize side effects. Eat a healthy diet and participate in activities that help you maintain a healthy weight, strengthen bones and muscles and improve your sleep.
FAQOther Questions
- Is there a special diet for vitiligo?
In short, no. Some people find that certain foods may worsen their vitiligo symptoms or that others may improve their skin condition. We found no scientific evidence that a sp...
- Pyrostegia venusta as a folk medicine for vitiligo?
Pyrostegia venusta is a neotropical evergreen vine widely spread in Brazil throughout fields, at the coast, edge of the woods and along roadsides (see photo below). Popularly kn...
- What are risks of oral and topical corticosteroids?
Corticosteroid drugs (like hydrocortisone, and others) are often used for treating vitiligo. By mimicing the effects of hormones your body produces naturally in your adrenal gla...
Though it is not always easy to treat vitiligo, there is much to be gained by clearly understanding the diagnosis, the future implications, treatment options and their outcomes.
Many people deal with vitiligo while remaining in the public eye, maintaining a positive outlook, and having a successful career.
Copyright (C) Bodolóczki JúliaBy taking a little time to fill in the anonymous questionnaire, you can help researchers better understand and fight vitiligo.