Glucocorticoids can achieve better efficacy in the treatment of vitiligo and have become the first-line drug in the clinical treatment of vitiligo, but the effect of corticosteroids on the body is multifaceted, and some non-desired reactions may occur in long-term application. Therefore, it is necessary to reasonably choose the mode of administration, hormone type, hormone dosage and course of treatment, and balance the advantages and disadvantages between efficacy and adverse reactions, in order to avoid or reduce adverse reactions under the premise of obtaining better recoloration.
Before receiving glucocorticoid treatment, vitiligo patients should carefully report their medical history to the doctor to ensure the safety of treatment. Systemic application of glucocorticoids is prohibited in patients with severe hypertension, diabetes mellitus, peptic ulcer, active tuberculosis, severe osteoporosis, psychosis, epilepsy, thyroid disease, cardiac and renal insufficiency, hyperadrenocorticism, psoriasis and severe infections such as viruses, cells and fungi.
Adverse reactions and side effects such as stress ulcers, osteoporosis, menstrual disorders, femoral necrosis, hypertension, disorders of water-electrolyte balance, suppression of adrenocortical function, urinary frequency, infections, psychiatric abnormalities, acne, centripetal obesity, and full moon face can occur with systemic (long-term high dose) application of glucocorticoids.
Patients should communicate with their doctor during the visit and determine the treatment plan after weighing the pros and cons. Once the medication is administered, it is important to follow the doctor’s instructions. Do not increase or decrease the dosage of hormones at will by hearsay, otherwise it will be more harmful.