De-pigmentation treatment for Vitiligo?

Hello,

I am a fifteen year old male who first developed Vitiligo when I was twelve. Since then (and particularly) in the past few months, it has spread to about 30-40% of my body. Half of my face is now de-pigmented. It is distressing for me, so I personally made the decision to see a councilor about it, he has helped as much as he can, but thinks it would be a good idea to get it fixed. He seems to think I will not be satisfied unless I have it fixed. Most of the doctors I have seen have just told me to "get over it", for gods sake, please never say this to a person with vitiligo. The insecurity created by a disease that seems to have more control over your body than you do, can be incredibly horrible.

Thankfully I came across a dermatologist who prescribed me light treatment, I have been doing this for a few months and it hasn't really helped. In fact I had some "before & after" pictures taken this week and it is so apparent that the patches have increased a fair amount in size. I was expecting this.

A month ago I started seriously contemplating de-pigmentation. I have talked to my dermatologist about this, and he thinks it is a good idea for me. Unfortunately I live on a tiny island with pretty crap healthcare- it's very unlikely they are going to know what to do. My dermatologist seems to think he would be the best person to carry out the treatment, but he doesn't know what monobenzone is. It's very scary.

Hahah... Sorry for the long letter but basically what I wanted to ask was:

How do vitiligo patients get completely (and permanently) de-pigmented today? Monobenzone has been discontinued, and that seemed to be the only cream that guaranteed permanent and uniform results. Are there other forms of hydroquinone that also guarantee permanent results? (De-pigmenting treatments that are equal to or even superior than benoquin/monobenzone?)

Again I'm sorry for the long letter, but I really would appreciate it if you could reply.

Thanks,

Alex.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Treatment options for vitiligo include steroids,psoralen photochemotherapy(PUVA),depigmentation and surgical therapy like skin grafting,micropigmentation or tattooing and autologous melanocyte transplants.However the choice of therapy depends on the number of white patches; their location, sizes, and how widespread they are and the option that is convenient to you. I would suggest  you to discuss these options with a dermatologist.

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 doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[lexande1]

Thank you so much for replying,

My problem is I have discussed these options with a dermatologist, and I have made the decision to depigment. My problem is that I live on a tiny island, and the dermatologists here  are very inexperienced with vitiligo.

I have been getting treatment, but it isn't working. I'd like to have depigmentation, because vitiligo is so stressful for me. This is the only way to go.

I just wanted to know how it is done.

But again, thank you so much for replying. I really appreciate it.

[lko3]

I found this on http://www.nvfi.org/pages/info_depigmentation.php:

Pharmacies that can fill prescriptions for monobenzone (Benoquin):

Medical Center Pharmacy
Yale Physicians Building
800 Howard Avenue
New Haven, CT 06511
[phone]

Robert Delvecchio, R.Ph. The Medicine Shop
931 Highway 28
Milford, OH 45150
[phone]
1-800-944-8211

Market Street Pharmacy (formerly Village Pharmacy)
2530 S. Georgia St.
Amarillo, TX 79109
TEL: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
Attn: Sherry Risinger

****, Pharmacist/Owner Randy's Prescription Service
3520 Pacific Avenue
Olympia, WA 98501
[phone]

[lexande1]

Thank you!

The so called 'expert' just gives pre-prepared answers.

You are wonderful.

[xcailinx]

I don't know if you'll read this but 3/4 of my skin is affected by vitiligo after 12 yrs. I have been able to hide it until this summer. I am Caucasianand 95% of my face is depigmented but my neck is a mess. I work for a derm and finally have made the decision to depigment. Premixed Benoquin is no longer available but it can be compounded at a specialty pharmacy and cost me 45$ for a 35gram tube. You are to use it for no longer than 4 months and I have only used it for a week.
You know if you have vitiligo don't rely or listen to doctors. Other tx were too timely and insurance won't cover any treatment because they find it a "cosmetic" problem even though it IS an autoimmune disorder. Screw them I say. Hopefully you found a pharmacy and I hope this tx works. I have hope for once that I will look as normal as the next guy.....SOON!!! YAY!!


Megan