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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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White Patches In Left Armpit, Increasing In Size. Prescribed Tacrolimus Melgain Lotion. Safe To Use?

Sir, i got some white patches of around 1.5 sq inches on left armpit for around eight months. Now these are increasing in size gradually. i have been taking homeopathic medicines. Recently i visited one dermatologist who prescribed for tacrolimus 0.1%, melgain lotion etc. i want to know how much time it may take to re-pigment the area if the medicines really work. Thanking you
Mon, 10 Dec 2012
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Cosmetic & Plastic Surgeon,  's  Response
Your condition most probably has been diagnosed by your treating doctor as Vitiligo hence prescribed Tacrolimus and melgain local applications.
It takes about three months of regular applications before you start to see any improvement in the colour of white patch.
Tacrolimus is a drug known to be Immune modulatar and is effective in Vitiligo as one of the theory of cause of vitiligo is considered to be abnormal immune response of body towards pigment producing cells.It is better than steroids applications as iot does not thin out the affected skin and less chances of harmful systemic effects of long term use of steroids.
However porlonged use of tacrolimus is not recommended as rare cases of skin cancer and lymphoma have been reported.
Regards
Dr.Rajesh Kaushash
M.S.,M.Ch.(Plastic Surgery), FRCSI
Consultant Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery
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White Patches In Left Armpit, Increasing In Size. Prescribed Tacrolimus Melgain Lotion. Safe To Use?

Your condition most probably has been diagnosed by your treating doctor as Vitiligo hence prescribed Tacrolimus and melgain local applications. It takes about three months of regular applications before you start to see any improvement in the colour of white patch. Tacrolimus is a drug known to be Immune modulatar and is effective in Vitiligo as one of the theory of cause of vitiligo is considered to be abnormal immune response of body towards pigment producing cells.It is better than steroids applications as iot does not thin out the affected skin and less chances of harmful systemic effects of long term use of steroids. However porlonged use of tacrolimus is not recommended as rare cases of skin cancer and lymphoma have been reported. Regards Dr.Rajesh Kaushash M.S.,M.Ch.(Plastic Surgery), FRCSI Consultant Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery