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COVID-19 treatments linked to vitiligo
Investigators in Brazil concluded that the severity of acute COVID-19 did not differ among patients with vitiligo, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis and other skin diseases. However, different treatments were linked to specific changes in the course of skin diseases.
- Antimalarials and hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19 were associated with clinical worsening of vitiligo. (Actually, antimalarials are oxidative drugs whose additional stress on melanocytes can influence active vitiligo.)
- Oral corticosteroids for the treatment of vitiligo lead to greater clinical impairment.
- Antihistamines for dermatological diseases were also associated with a longer symptomatic period in cases of acute COVID-19.
- Investigators believe the use of oral glucocorticoids, which were used in cases of unstable vitiligo and chronic urticaria, indicated increased exacerbation caused by viral infection.
Overall, hospitalization due to COVID-19 did not differ between respondents with and without skin diseases, though a lower rate of hospitalization was noted for respondents with vitiligo who used oral antioxidants (e.g. vitamin E, vitamin C or Polypodium leucotomos).
Further reading: Am I at higher risk of catching SARS-CoV-2 if I have vitiligo?
FAQOther Questions
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- Who is prone to vitiligo?
Vitiligo can affect anyone, regardless of gender, age, or race. Vitiligo prevalence is between 0.76% and 1.11% of the U.S. population, including around 40% of those with the con...
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.