The Current Status of Antioxidants in the Treatment of Vitiligo in China

Figure 1

Acceptance of the oxidative stress theory of vitiligo and knowledge of antioxidants among dermatologists. (a) Opinion of dermatologists on the oxidative stress theory of vitiligo. (b) Attitude toward antioxidant use among dermatologists. (c) Frequency of antioxidant use among dermatologists for treating vitiligo. (d) Proportion of dermatologists who used antioxidants clinically and proportion of patients treated with antioxidants. (e) Reasons for not using antioxidants. q1: Is it because of the uncertain efficacy of antioxidants? (yes: 117 dermatologists [84.2%]; no: 22 dermatologists [15.8%]). q2: Is it because of the controversial evidence of antioxidants mentioned in dermatology-related textbooks or literature? (yes: 103 dermatologists [74.1%]; no: 36 dermatologists [25.9%]). q3: Is it because of the lack of knowledge about antioxidants? (yes: 101 dermatologists [72.7%]; no: 38 dermatologists [27.3%]). q4: Is it because of whitening effects or other scientific theories of antioxidants? (yes: 99 dermatologists [71.2%]; no: 40 dermatologists [28.8%]). q5: Is it because of worrying about the misunderstanding of patients, which may lead to medical disputes? (yes: 94 dermatologists [67.6%]; no: 45 dermatologists [32.4%]). q6: Is it because of unsuitable antioxidants in the hospital? (yes: 70 dermatologists [50.4%]; no: 69 dermatologists [49.6%]). q7: Is it because of worrying about the side effect of antioxidants? (yes: 64 dermatologists [46.0%]; no: 75 dermatologists [54.0%]). q8: Is it because of the indeterminate methods for using antioxidants? (yes: 41 dermatologists [29.5%]; no: 98 dermatologists [70.5%]). q9: Other reasons (yes: 36 dermatologists [25.9%]; no: 103 dermatologists [74.1%]). q10: Is it because of the price of antioxidants? (yes: 30 dermatologists [21.6%]; no: 109 dermatologists [78.4%]). (f) Answers of the dermatologists about the seven antioxidants (vitamin C, reduced glutathione, vitamin E, tea polyphenols, resveratrol, Ginkgo biloba extract, and Rhodiola extract). (g) Number of correct answers for antioxidant-related questions among dermatologists.

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