Update on treatment of vitiligo and depigmentation

Overview of the scientific conference with the topic "Update on treatment of vitiligo and depigmentation of skin diseases" in Ho Chi Minh City. (Source: Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine)

The event attracted hundreds of experts, doctors, students and representatives of press agencies, marking an important step forward in efforts to treat and raise social awareness of the disease.

In Vietnam, although the rate of vitiligo is only about 0.5 - 1% of the population according to global statistics, but with the characteristic of colored skin, depigmentation lesions in Vietnamese people are easily recognized and thereby greatly affect the quality of life. The series of professional reports at the Workshop were presented according to the comprehensive treatment process from diagnosis to internal medicine, phototherapy, stem cells and advanced surgical techniques.

The workshop brought many new perspectives, updated science, and spread the message of empathy and respect for differences - which are core values in health care and medical humanities.

The opening section with an in-depth analysis of methods for diagnosing and distinguishing vitiligo from other depigmentation diseases reported by Dr. CKII Vuong The Bich Thanh (University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ho Chi Minh City) provided interesting background knowledge about vitiligo.

Dr. Vuong The Bich Thanh emphasized that vitiligo is a difficult disease to diagnose and treat, because many other skin diseases also cause similar loss of pigmentation. “Correct diagnosis is the key factor in determining the direction of treatment. I hope that doctors will approach patients with a systematic and accurate diagnostic process, thereby providing appropriate treatment,” she shared.

MSc. Dr. Nguyen Hoang Lien (Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine) continues with new updates on medical treatment, especially the group of JAK inhibitors - considered a revolution in cases of resistant vitiligo. According to MSc. Nguyen Hoang Lien, this is a good sign for patients who have failed with traditional therapies.

Meanwhile, MSc. Dr. Nguyen Duy Quan (Ho Chi Minh City Dermatology Hospital) provided practical data on the effectiveness of light therapy, Excimer laser and high-energy devices in treating difficult-to-recover lesions. These methods are effectively applied at major centers, helping to optimize clinical results.

From a basic research perspective, Dr. Pham Le Buu Truc (Ho Chi Minh City Center for Biotechnology) introduced advances in stem cell applications. According to Dr. Pham Le Buu Truc, stem cell lines from adipose tissue, milk and new generation biological products are opening up prospects for skin pigmentation restoration and immune regulation for people with vitiligo. “We are entering a new era where regenerative medicine can pave the way for a radical treatment of this disease,” she emphasized.

MSc. Dr. Nguyen Truong Hai - Head of Medcare Vitiligo Research & Treatment Unit shared at the Workshop. (Source: Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine)

In particular, MSc. Dr. Nguyen Truong Hai - Head of Medcare Vitiligo Research & Treatment Unit, shared clinical experience in treatment with micro-skin grafting and autologous epidermal cell transplantation. “There is no single method that is the key. We often combine therapies from internal medicine, light, and skin grafting to increase effectiveness and restore maximum skin color for patients. For those in difficult circumstances, Medcare implements the community program 'Erase - Draw the future' to support free or subsidized treatment", said Dr. Nguyen Truong Hai.

The conference not only stopped at expertise but also made a strong impression on the media with a unique invitation: under normal light, there were smiles of patients who had been successfully treated, but when exposed to UV light, white spots simulating vitiligo lesions would appear clearly with the message "Lighting up hope". This design was inspired by the way of diagnosing lesions with Wood's lamp, and is also a metaphor for the conference's goal: using the light of knowledge to illuminate the dark areas of disease.

In addition, the Scientific Conference also had the participation of the Vietnamese vitiligo patient community. With the spirit of connecting medicine and the community, Mr. Nguyen Ngo Phong - Chairman of the Vietnam Vitiligo Patients Association shared: "We hope that society will understand and accompany, instead of discriminating against patients. Conferences like this not only bring knowledge but also are a great source of spiritual encouragement".

For medical students, this workshop is an opportunity for them to learn and update a lot of useful knowledge. Nguyen Minh Tai - Deputy Secretary of the Youth Union of Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine expressed: "The program not only provides knowledge but also inspires humanity. Activities like this help us, medical students, clearly see the role and responsibility of the medical profession".

Concluding the workshop, Associate Professor, Dr. Van The Trung shared: “The way this workshop was organized is very special, not only scientific but also connecting with patients. The moments of exchange between doctors and patients truly spread inspiration, so that each act of healing is not only through knowledge, but also through empathy.”

The workshop “Update on treatment of vitiligo and depigmentation of skin diseases” is a milestone showing the desire to change social awareness, enhance comprehensive treatment and constantly search for effective and humane solutions for people with depigmentation of skin diseases.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/cap-nhat-dieu-tri-bach-bien-va-benh-da-mat-sac-to-318685.html