New Study Offers A Shining Light For Vitiligo Sufferers

Main Category: Dermatology
Article Date: 30 Nov 2009 - 0:00 PST

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A pioneering new study could mean the end of suffering for people who live with the skin condition vitiligo.

The yearlong study, funded by the British Skin Foundation and the Vitiligo Society, will look at using a high intensity ultraviolet light source, known as Excimer, to re-pigment patches of skin affected by the skin disease. Led by Professor David Gawkrodger at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital, the team of researchers are hoping to determine whether using the particular wavelength of UV light at 380nm (nanometres) can be an effective way of reintroducing the skin's natural pigment which is missing in skin affected by vitiligo.

There are currently few detailed scientific studies about the actual efficacy of using Excimer in vitiligo treatment, although hopes are high in the team. "Although this project will be the first use of the Excimer in this capacity in the UK, a different form of UV light treatment is already accepted as a way of treating vitiligo, known as narrow-band UVB and PUVA phototherapy. Previous studies have suggested that using Excimer can work to re-pigment the skin, so if our study confirms this, hopefully this will pave the way for greater availability of this treatment throughout the UK," says Professor Gawkrodger.

Although the cause of vitiligo is not yet fully understood, it is commonly believed it is caused when the body makes antibodies that attack its own melanocytes, the cells which produce the skin's pigment, melanin, resulting in white patches of skin. Vitiligo is somewhat unpredictable in that white patches can come and go of their own accord, even after treatment. Patches can slowly change their shape and size, be stable for years and for some pigment can return, but rarely completely. The affected skin, which is missing its natural ability to deal with the sun's UV rays, is also far more likely to sunburn when compared to healthy skin.

The study will look at 20 patients with vitiligo who will each be given 20 treatments of the UV light principally to depigmented patches on the face, neck, arms or legs. The degree of repigmentation will be assessed by computer assisted analysis of photographs taken before and after treatment, with one untreated area serving as a control. In addition to this, the effect the treatment has on the patient's quality of life will also be assessed by a series of ten questions that measures the impact of skin disorders on social and practical aspects of daily life, known widely as the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI).

Matthew Patey, chief executive of the British Skin Foundation which part funded the study, says: "The fact is that current treatments for vitiligo do not always work. We still have a huge way to go before we fully understand the condition. Although it depends on the individual, the psychological impact of living with this condition can be devastating, especially if the patches of affected skin are on the face and other visible areas of the body. A loss of self confidence and social alienation are common to this and many other skin diseases, so if the tests prove successful, Professor Gawkrodger and his team hold the potential to change many lives blighted by the disease in the UK."

Since 1984 The Vitiligo Society has been the primary source of information and support for people suffering with Vitiligo in the UK. The aim of the Vitiligo Society is not only to fund research but to help people to cope better with the psychological, social and physical impacts of the condition.

Source
The British Skin Foundation (BSF)