Vitiligo: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

Here are Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments of Vitiligo.

Hi I am Dr. Sandesh Gupta the owner of skin and leisure center. Today we discuss the problem that is very common and which is very difficult to treat also which is something troublesome for the patients also that is Vitiligo. 

So what is Vitiligo? Vitiligo is a pigmented disorder in which the pigment producing cells of the skin which is known as the Melanocytes are destroyed resulting in white patches all over the skin. 

Now, what are the symptoms of Vitiligo? Vitiligo is usually noticeable white patches on the skin. These patches are more commonly found in the area where the body is exposed to the sun including the hands, feet, arms, face, and lips and these patches are usually symptomless. Vitiligo generally appears in one of three pattern-

 First is the focal pattern, segmental pattern and the generalized pattern. In the focal pattern where the depigmentation limited to one or few areas. 
In segmental pattern where the depigmentation develops on one side of the body. 
The third is a generalized pattern. This is the most common pattern and in this depigmentation occurs symmetrically on both sides of the body. 
Now, who are prone to Vitiligo? Although the course of Vitiligo is unpredictable but there are some certain factors also for the Vitiligo. Like chronic sun exposure, family history, diabetes mellitus, thyroid disease, frequent contacts with the chemicals like phenols and other chemicals. The application of strong bleaching agents also causes Vitiligo. Weak immune system, genetics, and hereditary diseases are also the common factors for Vitiligo. 

Now, what are the treatments available for Vitiligo? Before starting the treatment the patient must understand the nature and the course of the disease which is very much unpredictable. A balanced nutritious diet with lots of vitamins and minerals are vital. Avoid distress, physical and the chemical damage and other common triggers. Without proper treatment from a dermatologist, it can spread very rapidly and can be very extensively. So it is better to start treatment as early as possible before spreading of the disease. It may have negative impact on the social life of the patient also. It may have negative impact on psychological life of patients. So we are expert in treating Vitiligo. At our center we have all types of therapies and all types of treatments available.

There are basically three types of treatments or therapies- 

First is the medical therapy, second is the photo therapy, and third is the surgery. So in the medical therapy, just to stop the progression of the disease, this is given in the form of tablets or topical. And second is photo therapy, photo therapy is given in the form of UVA and UVB lights. It activates the pigment producing cells which is melanocytes, and helps to bring the color the color the black. Third type of therapy is surgery. In photo therapy Vitiligo surgery, usually it is done in the case of unstable Vitiligo. That is, if the area is not increasing its size and if it has been stopped last four to five months then only we can do the surgery. It is very effective on the patches of lips, hands, neck, or eyes, which is difficult to treat with the medical therapy. 

There are three types of surgeries available-

 Punch grafting which is very simple and economical procedure. The grafts are taken from the legs and it is put on the bigger areas but the thing is there that the cosmetic result is not as good as in case of other types of surgeries. Second is the blister grafting and third is the melanocyte transfer. In case of blister grafting, it is a very good type of grafting. This is meant for the smaller body surface areas. The results are very good and we never come to know that whether the patient has got surgery or not. The third type of surgery is the Melanocyte transfer technique. This is a highly specialized technique and good for the bigger areas and cosmetically having good results. 

In case of further assistance or if you have any query please contact me through the Lybrate. We are always available for you. Thank you.