THE ESSENTIAL
- Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease in which white spots (and sometimes white hairs) appear on the skin.
- Although considered benign, vitiligo can nevertheless have a significant impact on the mental health of those who suffer from it.
- To help patients if necessary, Opzelura cream against vitiligo has been available in pharmacies since the end of July.
This is good news for patients who lack effective treatments. Opzelura cream against vitiligo has been available in pharmacies since the end of July.
Vitiligo: what is the dosage of Opzelura cream?
Asked by the AFP At the time of its authorization, the spokesperson for the manufacturer of Opzelura, Claire Lhériteau-Calmé, specified that the cream treats “non-segmental vitiligo with facial involvement in adults and adolescents over 12 years of age”.
Concretely, the product acts on the immune system by preventing it from destroying melanocytes and must be applied twice a day to be effective. “By following this dosage, the patient will see progressive repigmentation,” continues Claire Lhériteau-Calmé.
The 100 millilitre tube, which costs around 840 euros, is 65% covered by health insurance, with the remainder being billed to mutual insurance companies. “With this cream, for us, the treatment proposal has finally arrived. And it is a bit revolutionary,” rejoices at the microphone d’Europe 1 Martine Carré, president of French Vitiligo Association.
Vitiligo can worsen mental health
Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease in which white spots (and sometimes white hairs) appear on the skin. “These depigmentations can occur at any time in life and regardless of skin color,” precise Inserm.
Although considered benign, vitiligo can nevertheless have a significant impact on the mental health of those who suffer from it.
“I sought psychological help some time after the onset of the illness, because as I was in a representative position, many people would stare at my hands and face during the first meetings or during professional meetings, which could be really embarrassing,” Jean-Marie recently testified in our columns. “It still happens to me today when I go shopping for example, which constantly reminds me of my illness. Like many children and adults with vitiligo, I was even called a chimpanzee by my ex-partner because of the discoloration I have around my eyes,” he laments.
What is the incidence of vitiligo?
Between 0.5 and 1% of the world’s population suffers from vitiligo, a disease whose presence on the media scene has increased in recent years through personalities such as Edouard Philippe and Winnie Harlow.
“Beyond this societal aspect, peer support is an important strategy to develop for patients. This sharing of experience with people who have gone through the same ordeal is beneficial because it allows them to decentralize and give a sense of belonging to a community. This can strengthen self-esteem, self-image and therefore self-acceptance.”concludes in an interview given to Ifop Dr. Mickael Worms-Ehrminger, lecturer and researcher in public health.
