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Discussion on Empirical, Traditional, and Alternative Treatments

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Vitiligo

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Abstract

Alternative treatments, such as traditional Chinese products, plant-derived photosensitizing agents, and herbal and vitamin supplements, can certainly improve therapeutic outcomes in vitiligo.

Traditional Chinese medicine is currently attracting interest in dermatological research looking at the possible development of new drugs. This approach is supported by the political strategies of Western medicine community toward China.

The pro-melanogenic effect may be related to antioxidant or anti-inflammatory properties; however, the main limitation of the published studies concerns the non-complete list of the used products as well as their chemical composition. Similarly, the effectiveness of melagenin is still lacking the knowledge of the underlying mechanisms of repigmentation. On the basis of the in vitro study on immunomodulatory action, aspirin and statins may be considered for the treatment.

More controlled studies should be performed before considering most of the new emerging options based on unconventional drug or combinatory approaches.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Cutaneous Physiopathology and CIRM, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, IRCCS, Rome, Italy

    Mauro Picardo

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  1. Mauro Picardo
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Correspondence to Mauro Picardo .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Cutaneous Physiopathology & CIRM, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, Rome, Italy

    Mauro Picardo

  2. Hôpital Saint André, Service de Dermatologie Adulte et Pédiatrique, INSERM U 1035, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France

    Alain Taïeb

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Picardo, M. (2019). Discussion on Empirical, Traditional, and Alternative Treatments. In: Picardo, M., Taïeb, A. (eds) Vitiligo. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-62960-5_44

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-62960-5_44

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