my son was diagnosed with Vitilago. His dr prescribed Protopic 2x a day. but I’m concerned about the auto-immune part of the disease. Any suggestions on how to avoid diabetes and thyroid issues and other than sunscreen, any way to keep this disease at bay? thanks.
0 Answers
dssarnoff wrote on :
Vitiligo often occurs in families where other autoimmune diseases exist such as thyroid disease, diabetes, etc. Trying to repigment the skin by using an immunomodality agent such as protopic in limited amounts will not cause thyroid disease or diabietes. Close follow-up with a board-certified dermatologist is needed in a case such as this.
Jessica Krant, M.D. (Derm) wrote on :
Vitiligo is a difficult to treat skin condition and is occasionally, but not always, associated with other autoimmune conditions. Family history of thyroid problems is a yellow flag to watch him closely but nothing can be done to prevent, only to catch early and manage. As far as diabetes, Type 1 diabetes (the genetic autoimmune disease) can only be watched for and managed carefully. Type 2 diabetes, caused by being overweight and leading to problems with insulin metabolism, can be prevented by a healthy active lifestyle. See not only his dermatologist, but also his pediatrician regularly, and make sure to always ask for thyroid and blood sugar monitoring.
drjosie wrote on :
Protopic is not currently FDA approved for the treatment of Vitiligo, but there are some very promising studies that it may be a very effective treatment if used early on. Vitiligo tends to be more common in people with certain autoimmune disorders like thyroid disease and pernicious anemia, and your son should be monitored regularly to see if these diseases are present, but unfortunately they cannot be avoided. Diabetes is another topic, however. The vast majority of diabetes is related to obesity and inactivity. Childhood obesity is increasing to epidemic proportions in North America, and prevention is absolutely possible by encouraging your child to eat a healthy diet containing plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, lean protein, and complex carbohydrates. Soda (pop), and fruit juice should be delegated to the “special occasion” category, with milk and water being the main sources of fluids for your children. And yes, keep the sunscreen on him daily whether the sun shines or not!
Debra Jaliman MD wrote on :
It is important to be monitored regularly by a doctor and to have bool tests for the other autoimmune disorders yearly. To avoid diabetes eat healthily and avoid a lot of white breads and processed simple carbohydrates.