Protopic is an ointment that is often prescribed for vitiligo. What is it, how do you use it and how effective is it?

Vitiligo.nl submitted these questions, which are often asked in our closed Facebook group, to our advisor, dermatologist and pigment specialist Dr. Wietze van der Veen. He emphasizes that the success of therapy with Protopic cannot be guaranteed. “It depends on many factors, such as size, number and location of the vitiligo areas to be treated,” he says.

How does it work?
Protopic ointment enhances the beneficial effect of sunlight, and therefore also of light therapy. The most success is achieved in the face. Treatment with an ointment such as Protopic is only suitable for someone who has limited vitiligo spots, especially on the face. Experience shows that white spots on hands hardly respond to Protopic. But you will also have to be patient with your face and use the ointment for at least three months - usually a little longer. Pigment cells recover very slowly.

When to apply?
You should apply Protopic ointment in the evening before going to bed. This often confuses people, because the ointment is supposed to enhance the effect of sunlight. But Dr. Van der Veen explains that it is important to apply the ointment in the evening, because the medication can then be properly absorbed into the skin. This happens at night and afterwards the patient can simply wash his face. During the day, sunlight is beneficial for possible recovery of the pigment, but please note: if you stay in the sun for longer, for example on the beach, it is necessary to use a sunscreen to avoid burning. DO NOT use a very high protection factor, because then the spots will no longer have a chance to repigment. An SPF of 20 or 30 is more than sufficient. It is more important to reapply every two hours than to use a high SPF. This is also important, because recent research showed that the SPF stated on the bottles is not always correct. You are safe with regular application, also because sunscreen 'wears off' on the skin.

On prescription
Protopic ointment cannot be purchased in stores, it must be prescribed by a dermatologist, who can best assess whether you are eligible for this. He then checks whether the areas to be treated still show some pigment cell activity. Because if that is no longer there, the ointment will have no effect.

In the March issue of the members magazine Spotlight! there was an article about Protopic. Not a member yet? Then sign up quickly. For just €26 per year you support research into vitiligo and receive the current members magazine four times a year.