Doctor hopeful of vitiligo treatment breakthrough

Dr Viktoria Eleftheriadou began studying vitiligo in 2009

Research into vitiligo could lead to new treatment options within the next few years, a dermatologist involved in the study has said.

Viktoria Eleftheriadou has studied the disease since 2009, after seeing the physiological damage it had on her close friends.

Dr Eleftheriadou is the UK chief investigator for five research trials currently taking place.

She said: “When I first started my studies there was a lack of treatment and awareness of the disease, however things are moving at a faster pace now."

She added: “We currently have at least four medicines in the late phase of trials, supported by Walsall and Wolverhampton participants, which means in the next year or two we should have at least one or two more licensed medications to help treat patients.

Vitiligo is a long-term condition where pale white patches develop on the skin. It is caused by the lack of melanin, which is the pigment in skin.

The condition can affect any area of skin, but it commonly happens on the face, neck and hands, and in skin creases.

It affects about one in 100 people in the UK, according to the NHS.

Dr Eleftheriadou, who is a consultant dermatologist for The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust and Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, said future research trials could lead to a potential of 10 more licensed medications for people with vitiligo to use.

She said: "The overall future for vitiligo treatment looks amazing."