Treatment recommendations for patients with vitiligo during COVID-19

Abstract

The World Health Organization declared a global pandemic on 12 March 2020 due to the worldwide spread of COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2.1 Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease causing skin depigmentation affecting 0.5%–2% of the population. We do not project an increased risk of infection from COVID-19 in those with vitiligo, as the immune system of such individuals is not compromised and there is currently no evidence that the virus infects melanocytes. However, some patients may have treatment-related immunosuppression and some may have to access in-office narrow band ultraviolet light B (NB-UVB), which could increase their risk of developing COVID-19. At this time, there is a need to balance treatment for vitiligo with the need to reduce exposure to SARS-CoV-2. We have thus outlined the following treatment considerations to guide clinicians in the treatment of their vitiligo patients.