Researchers of a study published in JAMA dermatology have shown that arthritis drug ‘tofacitinib’ can also cure vitiligo disease. Vitiligo is a skin condition where few parts of skin lose its skin color. It is not a dangerous disease but it may discourage a person from having public interactions.

Researchers conducted the study on a middle-aged woman who was suffering from vitiligo. For the trial, the woman was given 5 mg oral dose every alternate day for three continuous weeks. After three weeks, 5 mg a day was given.

The researchers found that after two months of continuous treatment the patient started experiencing restoration of few skin parts to its original color.

After five months, they found that almost all skin parts of the patient were repigmented. It was also noted that pigmentation on the face and hands of the patient was totally cured, but there were few spots on other parts of the skin which were remained unaffected.

Dr. Brett King, principal investigator and assistant professor of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine in New Haven, CN, said, “While it’s one case, we anticipated the successful treatment of this patient based on our current understanding of the disease and how the drug works”.

It is a first every study that could revolutionize treatment of an awful disease, Dr. King said. The study’s findings could prove a huge step forward in the treatment of patients with this skin condition.

The researchers said no adverse effects of the treatment were seen on the patient. But they said that some further trials are needed to ensure that the drug is an effective remedy for vitiligo with no side effects.