How to treat vitiligo?
Simo K.
Dermatologist
Overview
Vitiligo (vit-il-EYE-go) is a skin disease in which the skin loses color. This condition occurs when melanocytes (skin cells that produce melanin, the chemical that gives skin its color or pigmentation) are destroyed by the body's immune system.
Vitiligo usually starts as a few small white patches that may gradually spread throughout the body over several months.
Vitiligo is a long-term problem in which growing patches of skin lose their color. It can affect people of any age, gender, or ethnic group.
What are the symptoms of vitiligo?
Vitiligo can affect any area of the skin, but is more common on the face, neck, and arms, and in skin folds. The most common and visible signs of vitiligo are patches of skin that are lighter or paler than the rest of the skin. It usually starts as a few small white patches that may gradually spread throughout the body over several months.
People with vitiligo may have some retinal abnormalities (the lining of the eye that contains photoreceptor cells) and some changes in the color of the iris (the colored part of the eye). Because pigment cells determine hair and skin color, some teens with vitiligo may notice graying of their hair or lighter lips. Vitiligo causes loss or lightening of skin pigment, and can also affect hair and eye color.
Is vitiligo painful?
Vitiligo is not painful. However, you can get painful sunburns on the lighter patches of skin. It is important to protect yourself against the sun with measures like using sunscreen, staying out of the sun during the hours that it is strongest, and wearing protective clothing. Some people with vitiligo have reported having itchy skin sometimes, including before the depigmentation starts.
Who does vitiligo affect?
Vitiligo affects all races and genders equally; however, it is more pronounced in people with darker skin tones.Anyone can get vitiligo, but it's more common in people with dark skin.
How can vitiligo be treated?
If vitiligo is severe or making you unhappy, you may want to consider treatment.The white patches caused by vitiligo are usually permanent, although treatment options are available to reduce their appearance.
Use a good sunscreen every day. Because vitiligo spots have no melanin, they can't tan. If the skin isn't protected with sunscreen, vitiligo patches may burn or scar. Getting a tan on the rest of your body will only highlight the white patches, especially if you have light skin.
Some creams, including corticosteroids, can help return color to white patches in the initial stages. Others help slow the growth. When applied to white patches very early in the disease, it may help to bring some color back to the skin by decreasing the inflammation that leads the skin to have fewer pigment cells.
HiSqin™ Gotu Kola Calming Gel
This Seaweed-based soothing gel provides the ultimate hydration while calming botanicals tend to sensitive or irritated skin.
May be used daily or nightly as a moisturizer or as a post treatment on irritated or inflamed skin.
Rich in Shiitake and Mannentake Mushroom BioComplex, the unique gel texture immediately cools when applied to even the most sensitive skin.
When to see a doctor?
See your doctor if areas of your skin, hair or mucous membranes lose coloring. Vitiligo has no cure. But treatment might stop or slow the discoloring process and return some color to your skin
Takeaway
Vitiligo occurs when the skin loses its pigment (pigmentation), resulting in white patches on the skin that sometimes cover the entire body.
Vitiligo does not cause skin discomfort such as dryness, but sometimes the patches can be itchy. If the skin is not protected , vitiligo patches can cause burns or scars.
DISCLAIMER Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice.
