Depigmentation therapy

Depigmentation therapy is a treatment option for patients with widespread, treatment-resistant vitiligo. The most commonly employed technique is the application of monobenzylether of hydroquinone (MBEH), also known as monobenzone, to areas with residual pigment. Prior to instituting therapy, the patient must be aware of the cost, treatment time course, risk of distant sites of depigmentation, probable permanency of depigmentation, side effects such as contact dermatitis, and the potential for repigmentation via follicular melanocytes. The social ramifications of depigmentation therapy also must be discussed, especially for patients with skin types IV and V. The sequential use of 4-methoxyphenol and Q-switched ruby laser also has been reported as a successful form of depigmentation therapy.