In cases where depigmentation is to be employed, the lesions affect large areas of the exposed parts of the body. A monobenzyl ether of hydroquinone is used in a cream. It produces permanent results. The surrounding skin then blends with the vitiligo affected areas. Topical steroid therapy may reverse the process if applied for a few weeks in the initial stages of the vitiligo lesions.
Water based makeup also serves the same purpose.
Dihydroxy acetone is a component of products that result in a tan without exposure to sunlight. The depigmented skin must be shielded from the sun. It cannot tan, but will burn if adequate precautions are not taken. The patient must wear protective clothes as far as possible, and avoid sunlight at periods when it is particularly strong. The normal skin also needs some protection to minimize the difference in color between normal and abnormal skin.