Why Does Vitiligo Recur After Repigmentation? Dr. Chau Yee Ng’s Team Identifying Key Risk Factors Published in BJD

Repigmentation is Not the End of the Journey

In clinical practice, a common question arises among patients who have successfully achieved repigmentation: "Now that the color is back, am I cured?" According to Dr. Chau Yee Ng (MD, PhD), Director of the Vitiligo Pigment Research Center at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, treating vitiligo is not merely about restoring color—it is about maintaining stability. Vitiligo is a chronic condition, and "repigmentation" does not always equate to a permanent "cure."

Key Findings: 1 in 3 Patients May Experience Recurrence

Dr. Ng’s research team conducted a retrospective study tracking 809 patients with non-segmental vitiligo who had achieved stability after treatment. The study revealed that approximately one in three patients experienced a recurrence or worsening of the condition over time.

This statistic highlights that vitiligo is fundamentally linked to the patient's immune profile ("body constitution"), and underlying immune activities may persist even after the skin has repigmented.

Identifying High-Risk Groups

To better optimize long-term management, the team identified three significant risk factors associated with higher recurrence rates:

1. Acral Vitiligo: Lesions located on the hands and feet.

2. Comorbid Thyroid Disease: Specifically autoimmune thyroiditis (e.g., Hashimoto's thyroiditis).

3. Other Autoimmune Conditions: Presence of other autoimmune diseases (e.g., Alopecia Areata, Rheumatoid Arthritis) or positive immune markers (e.g., ANA, Anti-TPO).

Notably, the study found that patients presenting with both Acral Vitiligo and Thyroid Disease face a 2.5-fold increased risk of recurrence. These patients represent a subgroup that requires closer clinical monitoring.

Clinical Implications: The Role of Maintenance Therapy

Based on these findings, Dr. Ng emphasizes the importance of Maintenance Treatment for high-risk patients. Instead of stopping treatment completely upon repigmentation, the following strategies are recommended:

• Proactive Topical Therapy: Applying anti-inflammatory creams at a reduced frequency (e.g., twice a week) to previously affected areas.

• Intermittent Phototherapy: To maintain melanocyte function.

• Regular Follow-ups: To detect early signs of depigmentation and prevent extensive relapse.

  
  

International Recognition: Published in the British Journal of Dermatology (BJD)

We are proud to announce that this pivotal study has been accepted for publication in the British Journal of Dermatology (BJD), one of the top three dermatology journals globally.

This achievement is a testament to the dedication of the entire research team. Special acknowledgments go to Dr. Hsin-Yu, Dr. Han-Wen, and Nurse Yi-Ching for their invaluable contributions to data collection and analysis. The Vitiligo Pigment Research Center remains committed to advancing vitiligo research and providing world-class care to our patients.