Vitiligo is a
relatively common skin condition which can cause extreme
distress to sufferers because of its obviously unusual
appearance and affects at least 1-2% of the population or 1-2 in
every 100 people in nearly every country in the world. It
affects people of both sexes equally, and it affects all races.
It can begin at any age; however, about fifty percent of people
with Vitiligo develop it before the age of twenty five. You
cannot catch Vitiligo. It is not infectious or contagious.
Currently, there is no absolute cure for Vitiligo but there are
several treatments.
Vitiligo, like psoriasis, is thought to be hereditary.
Even if your immediate parents or grandparents do not have
Vitiligo, they may have had another genetic issue that is
loosely associated with Vitiligo, such as thyroid problems
or diabetes etc.
The actual cause of Vitiligo is not known, but doctors
and researchers have several different theories. One theory
is that people develop antibodies that destroy the
melanocytes in their own bodies. Another theory is that
melanocytes destroy themselves. Finally, some people have
reported that a single event such as sunburn or emotional
distress triggered Vitiligo; however, these events have not
been scientifically proven to cause Vitiligo.
Vitiligo treatments and cures
The treatment options for Vitiligo have some similarities
with psoriasis. Steroids can be used to stimulate the skin
to produce the missing or deficient melanocytes and thus
darkening the white skin patches. Steroids have many
dangerous side effects and are typically only a temporary
treatment. Stop using the steroids and the Vitiligo usually
returns soon after. There is a process known as
"depigmentation" that is really a backwards treatment. It
involves using steroids or other agents to lighten your
normal skin to match the colour of your Vitiligo affected
skin. Obviously this could be more embarrassing than the
Vitiligo by its self. There are a range of cosmetic options
to hide or mask the white patches but this only offers a
psychological solution and is only very temporary. In
extreme cases surgery can be used to graft skin from non-affected areas.
UV phototherapy is widely recognised as a treatment of
Vitiligo. UV is responsible for stimulating your skin to
produce pigmentation, or a sun tan with minimal side effects
The effectiveness of UV treatment varies for each Vitiligo
sufferer. Caution should be taken when using UV phototherapy
to treat Vitiligo. As Vitiligo is an absence of skin
pigmentation the white skin affected by Vitiligo is very
susceptible to sun burn, but by the same nature generally
responds well to UV phototherapy treatment.
What about vitamins?
You may have seen web pages advertising vitamin cures and
treatments for Vitiligo, these have been proven time and
time again to have little or no effect on Vitiligo. Vitiligo
is NOT caused by a vitamin or diet deficiency; therefore
vitamins can be no benefit at all. Vitamins can only benefit
you if you have a deficiency. Neither Vitiligo, Acne,
Dermatitis or psoriasis are caused by any deficiency in your
diet. Vitiligo is not caused by a toxin that can be removed
from your system by a vitamin or other magic health pill. No
oil or herb rubbed into your skin will have any lasting
effect on Vitiligo, its simply impossible. If it was, the
product would be available from every doctor, pharmacist and
hospital in the world.
Brief vitiligo overview
Vitiligo is a skin condition in which there is loss of
pigment from areas of skin resulting in irregular white
patches with normal skin texture.
Vitiligo Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Vitiligo appears to be an acquired condition and may
appear at any age. There is an increased incidence in some
families. Vitiligo is more noticeable in darker skinned
people because of the contrast.
The cause of vitiligo is unknown, but autoimmunity may be
a factor. This condition affects about 1% of the U.S.
population. Lesions appear as flat depigmented areas
with a darker boarder. The edges are sharply defined but
irregular. Frequently affected areas are the face, elbows and
knees, hands and feet, and genitalia
Vitiligo Symptoms & Signs
- Family history of vitiligo
- Sudden or gradual onset of flat normally textured
areas of skin with complete pigment loss
Vitiligo Diagnosis & Tests
Examination is usually sufficient to confirm the diagnosis.
In some cases, a skin biopsy may be needed to rule out other
causes of pigment loss.
Vitiligo Treatment
Vitiligo is difficult to treat. Early treatment options
include the following:
- Exposure to intense ultraviolet light, such as
narrow-band UVB therapy
- Oral medications, such as Trisoralen
(trimethylpsoralen)
- Topical medications
- Repigmenting agents such as Oxsoralen (methoxsalen)
- Immunosuppressants such as Elidel (pimecrolimus) and
Protopic (tacrolimus)
- Corticosteroid creams
Skin may be grafted, or removed from normal areas and placed
into areas of pigment loss. In the future, skin pigment
cells may be grown in the laboratory and used to treat areas
of vitiligo.
Vitiligo Prognosis (Expectations)
The course of vitiligo varies. Some areas may repigment,
but other new areas may appear. Depigmentation may be
progressive.
Vitiligo Complications:
Depigmented areas are more likely to sunburn or develop
certain skin cancers. Vitiligo is associated with three
systemic diseases:
- 1. pernicious anemia
- 2. hyperthyroidism
-
3. Addison's disease.
Source: About Health
Narrow Band UVB phototherapy has consistently achieved over 90%
repigmentation within a year for most patients. Neighbouring
pigment cells will produce new pigment into the Vitiligo patches
providing the melanocytes still exist in the adjoining areas of
skin.
Products for the treatment of Vitiligo
We offer a variety of products for treatment of Vitiligo.
Please click here to see all products
or here for the Dermaray UV for
spot treatment of Vitiligo. |
