Vitiligo Archives

Cryoglobulins are immunoglobulin (Ig) complexes that precipitate from the serum at low blood temperatures (<37°C) and then redissolve during incubation.1 Cryoglobulinemia occurs when excess cryoglobulins circulate in serum, resulting in different clinical manifestations based on the immunologic composition of the cryoglobulins. Three immunochemical types of cryoglobulins have been described. Of these, type 2, or MC, is most commonly found in patients with chronic HCV infection, with HCV infection accounting for 95% of all MC cases.1,2 Patients with MC have a mixture of circulating monoclonal IgMs and polyclonal IgGs, with the IgMs having rheumatoid factor (RF) positivity. Rarely, patients with chronic HCV infection may have immunochemical type 3, in which both IgM and IgG are polyclonal. Patients with type 2 or 3 cryoglobulinemia should be screened for HCV infection, and those with HCV and worsening renal function or cutaneous involvement should be tested for cryoglobulinemia.3 Photo Credit: ISM/Pr JL KEMENY.

General Dermatology

HCV Infection Linked to Risk for Chronic Inflammatory Skin Diseases

By

Brandon May

October 12, 2021

The association between hepatitis C virus infection and chronic inflammatory skin diseases is assessed.

General Dermatology

Excimer Light for Repigmentation in Vitiligo

By

Brandon May

August 25, 2021

The repigmenting efficacy and safety of phototherapy with EL or TUVB in patients with vitiligo was evaluated.

African American black woman female patient with White doctor

Rosacea

Insurance Claims and Prescriptions for Rosacea vs Melasma

By

Colby Stong

August 20, 2021

Insurance coverage for topical treatments for rosacea vs melasma are investigated.

General Dermatology

Oral Tranexamic Acid May Be a Treatment for Melasma in Patients With Concomitant Vitiligo

By

Emily Pond

August 6, 2021

Treatment outcomes and adverse events of oral tranexamic acid (TA) in patients with vitiligo and melasma were assessed.

General Dermatology

COVID-19-Related Treatment Delays Lead to Vitiligo Progression, Recurrence

By

Emily Pond

July 29, 2021

COVID-19-related vitiligo treatment delays were assessed and the disease management possible during the pandemic is suggested.

General Dermatology

The Role of Systemic Treatments in Vitiligo

By

Brandon May

July 26, 2021

Support for various systemic treatments for vitiligo is reviewed.

Dermatologist examining a patient's arm.

General Dermatology

Evidence Lacking for Tocilizumab Use in Dermatologic Conditions

By

Colby Stong

July 19, 2021

The clinical dermatologic use of tocilizumab, its mechanisms of action, and adverse events is reviewed.

General Dermatology

Vitiligo: Current Understanding and Future Treatment Directions

By

Brandon May

July 16, 2021

Current knowledge about vitiligo and potential treatments are reviewed.

General Dermatology

Antioxidant Adjuvant Therapy for Improved Vitiligo Outcomes

By

Estie Mermelstein, MSN, FNP-BC

June 24, 2021

The efficacy of gliadin-protected to superoxide dismutase (SOD) in conjunction with phototherapy for addressing vitiligo was assessed.

Psoriasis

Risk for Autoimmunity Up With Concomitant Vitiligo, Psoriasis

June 8, 2021

Individuals with co-occurrence of vitiligo and psoriasis have an increased risk for autoimmunity and family history of psoriasis.