Over-the-Counter Product Use Among Individuals with Vitiligo: A Cross-Sectional International Survey

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

4-1-2026

Publication Title

Clin Drug Investig

Keywords

Humans, Vitiligo, Cross-Sectional Studies, Female, Male, Nonprescription Drugs, Adult, Middle Aged, Surveys and Questionnaires, Young Adult, Quality of Life, Complementary Therapies, Aged, Adolescent

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Vitiligo 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.

METHODS: We 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.

RESULTS: Of 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.

CONCLUSION: This 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.

Medical Subject Headings

Humans; Vitiligo; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Male; Nonprescription Drugs; Adult; Middle Aged; Surveys and Questionnaires; Young Adult; Quality of Life; Complementary Therapies; Aged; Adolescent

PubMed ID

41779279

ePublication

ePub ahead of print

Volume

46

Issue

4

First Page

407

Last Page

414

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