Pseudocatalase is a treatment which is not available on the NHS. It can be obtained from Professor Schallreuter who is based at the Institute for Pigmentary Disorders, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Bradford, Bradford, BD7 1DP, United Kingdom. Tel: 01274 235529 (before 11am)
Email; vitiligo@bradford.ac.uk and in Greifswald/ Germany.
(email: vitiligo@biothechnikum.de and Fax 0049 3834 515573)
It has recently been discovered that there are high levels of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in the skin of people with vitiligo. There are many reasons why this is happening but normally the body can neutralise the harmful bleaching effects this has on pigment cells (melanocytes). Unfortunately most people with vitiligo do not have high enough levels of catalase in their skin which causes a build up of hydrogen peroxide leading to the death or damage of the pigment cells. PC-KUS is a cream which mimics the action of catalase thus allowing the melanocytes to grow and multiply.
The treatment involves the twice daily application of the cream all over the body and exposure to narrow band ultra violet B light, depending on the individual disease activity. Treatment is usually tailored to the patient’s response after a special blood test that is only carried out in Greifswald. In addition a basis blood test is required to establish that the patients are otherwise healthy. On the basis of these results the patient may be given supplementation of B12, folic acid and zinc. Patients normally have to be registered in Germany where the |
Professor has a clinic and where the special test is done and the patient’s vitiligo is assessed. Follow up appointments can be made for Bradford and are usually every 6-7 months. Most patients purchase the narrowband UVB cabinet for use at home. This is more convenient from the patient’s point of view but it is important that regular contact is maintained with Professor Schallreuter so that the patient can be monitored. The cost of the UVB cabinet (or panel) may be as much as £800 and the cream and consultation fees are on top of that. This is an expensive option but it has proved successful in about 95% of patients.
|
