Observational studyClinical drug investigation2026
Over-the-Counter Product Use Among Individuals with Vitiligo: A Cross-Sectional International Survey.
Observational study in Clinical drug investigation, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Authors and funding
7 authors.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND AND
objectivesVitiligo is challenging to treat and may have a substantial impact on quality of life. Despite the exponential growth in the development of new "traditional" vitiligo treatments, many vitiligo patients choose to employ medical products and practices that are used with or instead of standard medical care (complementary and alternative medicine or CAM). In this study, CAMs and camouflage were discussed together and referred to as over-the-counter products (OTCs). Using an observational cross-sectional study, we aimed to investigate the motivations and demographic factors of individuals with vitiligo who use OTCs, to identify the most utilized OTCs in this population, and to assess side effects and perceived efficacy of the utilized OTCs.
methodsWe performed an international observational cross-sectional study between July 2021 and June 2022. An anonymous digital questionnaire was distributed to adults (aged ≥ 18 years) who had been diagnosed with vitiligo by a healthcare provider via e-mails from the Global Vitiligo Foundation to vitiligo support groups and through postings on the MyVitiligoTeam social media network. Participants were presented with a predefined list of OTC products and an open-ended option was also provided.
resultsOf the 224 respondents, half were aged 45-64, most were female (69.6%), and the majority were White (56.3%). A total of 41.1% of participants used OTCs, either exclusively (19.2%) or with prescribed therapies (22%), while 58.9% used only prescribed therapies. The top reasons for using OTCs were dissatisfaction with conventional therapy, concerns about side effects, inconvenience, and cost. The most commonly used OTCs were camouflage, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, zinc, ginkgo biloba, and vitamin C. Camouflage was reported as the most helpful OTC. Mild side effects were reported by 6.3% of users.
conclusionThis study highlights the widespread use of OTCs in managing vitiligo, emphasizing the need for healthcare providers to be familiar with commonly used OTCs. Patients using OTCs raised concerns about conventional treatments, which should be considered in management discussions and drug development. Camouflage was the most beneficial OTC in this study, and it should be included in management plans. A better understanding of OTCs could improve treatment strategies and patient satisfaction.
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