Symptoms of melanin deficiency appear as areas on the skin with a very light color, but what is the treatment for melanin deficiency in children? And is it required?
The term "melanin deficiency" refers to a number of conditions, including vitiligo, white spotting, and complete albinism. It might be brought on by a microbial infection. This article discusses the treatment of melanin deficiency in children:
Treatment of melanin deficiency in children
The following are some treatments for children who lack melanin:
1. Topical steroids
Children under the age of two are prescribed medium-strength cortisone, which should be applied twice daily for two months before switching to mild cortisone creams.
However, for older kids, the doctor starts using strong cortisone in treatment, so it's important to monitor the patient's condition and any cortisone side effects.
2. Oral steroids
Oral corticosteroids are used in cases where symptoms are getting worse very quickly. Short-term use of oral corticosteroids is common.
3. Psoralen and PUVA Therapy
This method can be summed up as applying a psoralen-containing cream to the areas that lack pigmentation, then, in simple cases, exposing the area to sunlight or ultraviolet rays for a brief period of time less than 30 minutes.
After some time has passed, symptoms of melanin deficiency are seen in 58%-71% of some cases.
4. Moisturizing creams
In some cases, hypopigmentation results in itching, dryness, and scaling that can be relieved by moisturising creams.
5. Tacrolimus cream
According to one study, children older than 6 years old who received tacrolimus cream twice a day at a concentration of 1% saw positive effects after a few weeks of treatment.
6. Laser treatment
Laser therapy is advised as one of the methods for treating children with melanin deficiency twice a week for a 12-week period.
7. Tar
Tar has a bad smell, but it can be used to treat melanin deficiency in children, especially in the torso area.
8. Vitamin D
According to research, treating paediatric melanin deficiency with tacrolimus cream alone does not produce the same results as using vitamin D supplements, especially in children who are vitamin D deficient.
Factors for selecting treatment of melanin deficiency in children
The doctor bases his or her decision on a number of variables, such as the following:
- age of the child.
- where the body's symptoms spread to.
- The body was covered in the full extent of the symptoms.
- Rapid exacerbation of the disease.
- The cause of the disease.
It should be noted that the treatment must be administered for at least three months before the child begins to improve.
Is the treatment of melanin deficiency in children necessary?
Most melanin deficiency cases do not require treatment because the patient's life is not in danger; however, many patients choose to undergo treatment in order to enhance their outward appearance and boost their confidence.
Accepting the illness and boosting self-confidence are greatly influenced by psychological support from those around the child and education about the condition.
Patients with albinism should be aware that they are more likely to develop skin cancer and get sunburned, so they should take all necessary precautions to protect themselves from the sun's rays.
Tips on treating melanin deficiency in children
The following advice is recommended for treating children with melanin deficiency:
- Keep as far away from the sun as you can.
- It's crucial to use a high-protection sunscreen several times throughout the day.
- Put on sunglasses to shield your eyes.
- One of the most attractive ways to shield the body from the sun's rays is by wearing a large hat.
- Check the health of your skin and eyes frequently to avoid complications.