Is Melgain Effective For Vitiligo Treatment?

Posted on Fri, 4 Jul 2014

Question: sir i want to use melgain for vitiligo
they mentioned that some growth factor in hair follicles are responsible for cure.
but due to vitiligo some of my black hair turned white.
can i use melgain ????

Answered by Dr. Johny Chacko (9 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Vitiligo and its management

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome to healthcare magic.

I understand from your query that you are having vitiligo.

Treatment of vitiligo depends on the extent of the disease( number of patches), body areas involved ( hands, feet, chest,etc) and whether it is actively spreading or it has remained the same way in the last 1 year.

Melgain contains fibroblast growth factor which helps in repigmentation. It has shown to give good results in lip vitiligo, usually in combination with other topical medications.

Could you please give me some more history so that I can help you better?

1. From how many years have you had vitiligo?
2. Which are the body areas involved?
3. Has it been the same from last 1 year or is it spreading?
4. Do you have any associated thyroid problems?

Please revert back to me with the details so that I can help you better.

Regards,
Dr. Johny Chacko

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Johny Chacko (1 hour later)

1)i have vitiligo from 8years
2)30% of my body, mostly face eyes, ears, left leg hands, palms, lips.
3) spreading
and id didnt have any thyroid problem

Answered by Dr. Johny Chacko (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Vitiligo and its management

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for the clarifications.

From your history, you seem to be having active or unstable vitiligo of generalized type.
In your case, Melgain will not be of much use and it is not possible to apply on extensive body parts.

In a case like yours, I would generally start the patient on oral pulse steroids like betamethasone. This has to be taken under the supervision of a dermatologist and monitored for side effects. This is necessary to control the further spread of vitiligo.

You will also need oral antioxidants taken once a day.

As far as creams are concerned, you will benefit from using a mid potent steroid like Mometasone in the morning and an immunomodulator like 0.1% Tacrolimus at bedtime.
Melgain can be used for the lips alone. You can apply at bedtime and show to sunlight for about 20 minutes before washing off in the morning.

You will also benefit from Phototherapy treatment.

However, I would strongly advice you to consult a good dermatologist and follow up regularly. Vitiligo, if untreated or not properly treated can spread and cause significant emotional distress. Treat early for the best response.

Hope this helps you.

Wishing you good health,
Dr. Johny Chacko

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Johny Chacko (4 hours later)

Several people it is written that i should not take sour things, cool drinks etc.
Do they have any role for this disorder?
Can you prescribe me some oral antioxdants?

Answered by Dr. Johny Chacko (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Generalized Vitiligo management

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome back.

There is no relation between eating sour things and vitiligo. You can have a normal diet.

We are not allowed to directly prescribe medications on this forum. You could look for a capsule containing beta carotene 30 mg, zinc sulphate monohydrate 27.5 mg, monohydrated selenium dioxide 0.2 mg, manganese 2 mg, copper 1 mg.
Take it once a day after meals either after breakfast or after lunch.

Hope this helps you.

Take care.

Regards,
Dr. Johny Chacko

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar