Best treatment for children

My daughter is 3 years old and has been diagnosed with vilitigo. She was prescribed fluticasone propionate cream and elidel but after a few days of using the cream, I noticed the white patches around both eyes began to get lighter. I stopped using the cream but I'm afraid that this may not be the best choice for my child. Her white spots have not spreaded but I have noticed white strings of hair have started to appear. I was wondering if I should give the creams another try for a longer period of time or leave it alone and wait until she get older or use pure coco butter??? Any suggestions would be appreciated!!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
In children having vitiligo, the standard treatment is creams and ointments like topical corticosteroids, tacrolimus, and calcipotriol. According to the American academy of dermatologists, the treatments that can be used to treat children are creams and ointments, NB-UVB, and PUVA with topical psoralen. PUVA therapy that uses the psoralen pill usually is not recommended until after 12 years of age.

The creams also should be used after careful review because they can have side effects in children. It will be best to get your child reviewed from a dermatologist before going in for any treatment.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.