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The etymology of the term "vitiligo" is believed to be derived from "vitium", meaning "defect" or "blemish".
Vitiligo is a chronic skin condition characterized by portions of the skin losing their pigment. It occurs when skin pigment cells die or are unable to function. Aside from cases of contact with certain chemicals,the cause of vitiligo is unknown. Research suggests vitiligo may arise from autoimmune, genetic, oxidative stress, neural, or viral causes Vitiligo is typically classified into two main categories: segmental and non-segmental vitiligo. Half of those affected show the disorder before age 20, though most develop it before age 40.
The cause is typically unknown.It is believed to be due to genetic susceptibility that is triggered by an environmental factor such that an autoimmune disease occurs.This results in the destruction of skin pigment cells. Risk factors include a family history of the condition or other autoimmune diseases, such as hyperthyroidism, alopecia areata, and pernicious anemia.Vitiligo is classified into two main types: segmental and non-segmental. Most cases are non-segmental meaning they affect both sides and typically get worse with time. About 10% of cases are segmental meaning they mostly involve one side of the body and do not typically worsen with time.Diagnosis can be confirmed by tissue biopsy.
The global percentage of people affected with vitiligo is less than 1%, with some populations averaging 2–3% and rarely as high as 16%.Autoimmune diseases such as Addison's disease, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, and type 1 diabetes mellitustend to occur more often in people who have vitiligo. There is no known cure for vitiligo but many treatment options are available including topical steroids, calcineurin inhibitors, and phototherapy.
In non-segmental vitiligo (NSV), there is usually some form of symmetry in the location of the patches of depigmentation. New patches also appear over time and can be generalized over large portions of the body or localized to a particular area. Vitiligo, where little-pigmented skin remains, is referred to as vitiligouniversalis. NSV can come about at any age (unlike segmental vitiligo, which is far more prevalent in teenage years).
Classes of non-segmental vitiligo include the following:
Segmental vitiligo (SV) differs in appearance, cause and prevalence of associated illnesses. Its treatment is different from that of NSV. It tends to affect areas of skin that are associated with dorsal roots from the spinal cord and is most often unilateral.It spreads much more rapidly than NSV and, without treatment, it is much more stable/static in course and its association with autoimmune diseases appears to be weaker than that of generalized vitiligo.SV is a very treatable condition that responds to topical treatment.
Although multiple hypotheses have been suggested as potential triggers that cause vitiligo, studies strongly imply that changes in the immune system are responsible for the condition.Vitiligo has been proposed to be a multifactorial disease with genetic susceptibility and environmental factors both thought to play a role. The TYR gene encodes the protein tyrosinase, which is not a component of the immune system, but is an enzyme of the melanocyte that catalyzes melanin biosynthesis, and a major autoantigen in generalized vitiligo.Some state the sunburns can cause the disease but there is not good evidence to support this.
Variations in genes that are part of the immune system or part of melanocytes have both been associated with vitiligo.It is also thought to be caused by the immune system attacking and destroying the melanocytes of the skin.A genomewide association study found approximately 36 independent susceptibility loci for generalized vitiligo.
Vitiligo is sometimes associated with autoimmune and inflammatory diseases such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis, scleroderma,rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes mellitus, psoriasis, Addison's disease, pernicious anemia, alopecia areata, and systemic lupus erythematosus. Among the inflammatory products of NALP1 are caspase 1 and caspase 7, which activate the inflammatory cytokineinterleukin-1β. Interleukin-1β is expressed at high levels in patients with vitiligo.[citation needed] In one of the mutations, the amino acid leucine in the NALP1 protein was replaced by histidine (Leu155->His). The original protein and sequence is highly conserved in evolution, and is found in humans, chimpanzee, rhesus monkey, and thebush baby. Addison's disease (typically an autoimmune destruction of the adrenal glands) may also be seen in individuals with vitiligo.
An ultraviolet light can be used in the early phase of this disease for identification and to determine the effectiveness of treatment. Skin with vitiligo, when exposed to a blacklight, will glow blue. In contrast, healthy skin will have no reaction.
There is no cure for vitiligo but several treatment options are available.The best evidence is for applied steroids and the combination of ultraviolet light in combination with creams.Due to the higher risks of skin cancer, the United Kingdom'sNational Health Service suggests phototherapy only be used if primary treatments are ineffective.Lesions located on the hands, feet, and joints are the most difficult to repigment; those on the face are easiest to return to the natural skin color
Topical preparations of immune suppressing medications including glucocorticoids (such as 0.05% clobetasol or 0.10% betamethasone) and calcineurin inhibitors (such as tacrolimus or pimecrolimus) are considered to be first-line vitiligo treatments.
Phototherapy is considered a second-line treatment for vitiligo.Exposing the skin to light from UVB lamps is the most common treatment for vitiligo. The treatments can be done at home with an UVB lamp or in a clinic. The exposure time is managed so that the skin doesn't suffer overexposure. Treatment can take a few weeks if the spots are on the neck and face and if they existed not more than 3 years. If the spots are on the hands and legs and have been there more than 3 years, it can take a few months. Phototherapy sessions are done 2–3 times a week. Spots on a large area of the body may require full body treatment in a clinic or hospital. UVB broadband and narrowband lamps can be used,but narrowband ultraviolet picked around 311 nm is the choice. It has been constitutively reported that combination of UVB phototherapy with other topical treatments improves repigmentation. Ultraviolet light (UVA) treatments are normally carried out in a hospital clinic. Psoralen and ultraviolet A light (PUVA) treatment involves taking a drug that increases the skin's sensitivity to ultraviolet light, then exposing the skin to high doses of UVA light. Treatment is required twice a week for 6–12 months or longer. Because of the high doses of UVA and psoralen, PUVA may cause side effects such as sunburn-type reactions or skin freckling. Narrowband ultraviolet B (NBUVB) phototherapy lacks the side-effects caused by psoralens and is as effective as PUVA.As with PUVA, treatment is carried out twice weekly in a clinic or every day at home, and there is no need to use psoralen.
In mild cases, vitiligo patches can be hidden with makeup or other cosmetic camouflage solutions. If the affected person is pale-skinned, the patches can be made less visible by avoiding tanning of unaffected skin.
Most vitiligo is idiopathic; however, in cases where it is triggered by skin bleaching or other substances, it is said to be chemical after being treated with bleaching agents. In cases of extensive vitiligo the option to de-pigment the unaffected skin with topical drugs like monobenzone, mequinol, or hydroquinone may be considered to render the skin an even colour. The removal of all the skin pigment with monobenzone is permanent and vigorous. Sun-safety must be adhered to for life to avoid severe sun burn and melanomas. Depigmentation takes about a year to complete.
Descriptions of a disease believed to be vitiligo date back to a passage in the medical text Ebers Papyrus circa 1500 BC in ancient Egypt. Mentions of whitening of the skin was also present circa 1400 BC in sacred Indian texts such as Atharvaveda as well as Shinto prayers in East Asia circa 1200 BC. The Hebrew word "Zora'at" from the Old Testament book of Leviticus dating to 1280 BCE (or 1312 BCE) described a group of skin disease associated with white spots, and a subsequent translation to Greek led to continued conflation of those with vitiligo with leprosy and spiritual uncleanliness.Medical sources in the ancient world such asHippocrates often did not differentiate between vitiligo and leprosy, often grouping these diseases together. In Arabic literature, the word "alabras" has been associated with vitiligo, with this word found in the Quran. The name "vitiligo" was first used by the Roman physician Aulus Cornelius Celsus in his classic medical text De Medicina
In November 2005, Amitabh Bachchan was admitted in a hosipital in order to undergo surgery for diverticulitis of the small intestine .During this period most of his projects were put on hold, including the television show, Kaun Banega Crorepati. Amitabh returned to work in March 2006. He is also suffered with vitiligo.
DR. JITENDRA JHALA,Vitiligo is a skin disorder where skin looses it color pigment called melanin. There may either be destruction of melanin or loss of melanin pigments.
DR.JITENDRA JHALA,Leucoderma and vitiligo practically mean the same. Leuco= white and derma= skin. While patches on skin is called leucoderma. However, every case of leucoderma may not be vitiligo. Leucoderma is a term more commonly used in Asian countries.
DR.JITENDRA JHALA,The exact cause of vitiligo is not very clearly understood. However, there are several theories which are explained in detail on this page:
There are no risk of skin cancer because of Vitiligo says pearl grimes who is a leading expert on Vitiligo. He says that there is no risk of skin cancer which might be developed because of Vitiligo. Some other medical professionals believe that there are no risks because of the melanomas and in some rare cases there might be risk in case of the carcinomas. But this skin cancer might develop if the Vitiligo is treated with narrow band UVB and also with ultra violet radiation.
About 1 % of the people in the world are affected to this Vitiligo and is mainly because of the genetically and the environmental factors which is believed in many countries. People who have Vitiligo will develop it before their age of 40 and is more common to be affected at the age between 10 and 30. It is common to both male and female and is most common to children’s. Also it will be affected to people who are having auto immune disorders like thyroid problem, diabetes and lot more.
Vitiligo might have existed before the recorded human history of man and women. This is because the same conditions are seen in many of the animals which have survived from those years till now. Also the effect of Vitiligo and its reference has been mentioned in the bible as well as in the ancient Chinese and also in the Greek writing, from these it can be said that it has been existing before the recorded human history.
DR.JITENDRA JHALA-----One can get vitiligo even if no one in the family has or had vitiligo. Most patients of vitiligo have family history of one of the autoimmune diseases such as Vitiligo, diabetes, hypothyroid, alopecia areata, cancer, etc., which is suggestive of genetic link. Many times patients may not be fully aware of the relevant family history.
DR.JITENDRA JHALA-----Vitiligo is NOT a serious disease. In fact, it is one of the most benign conditions that our body can have. I suggest my write up on this topic at www.curepsoriasisandvitiligo.com
Vitiligo does not spread by touch. It is not caused by any germs such as bacteria or virus. It is 100% safe to touch one who has vitiligo. It is a sign of ignorance if one avoids touching the person who has vitiligo.
Vitiligo look like a white patch on the skin and the white patches varies from light tan to the complete absence of the pigment. People are prone to this Vitiligo more commonly in the area which is below the elbow and this is not completely understood by anyone on why it is occurring. Vitiligo is of two types which is segmental Vitiligo and non segmental Vitiligo. Many people develop segmental Vitiligo in which the white patches develop only in one side of the body that is in one area alone.
Auto immune disorder is a condition in which the immune system of the person reacts against their body tissues and organs. It is also a condition in which the immune system of the body produces antibodies. But it is not the immune deficiency but in case of Vitiligo this immune system sees the pigment cells as a foreign body and because of that it attacks them. Some of the examples of auto immune disorder are thyroid disorders, alopecia areata, lupus, and pernicious anemia.
Melanin is a pigment of skin as well as hairs which will be present in human begins as well as animals. They will be dark brown in color. These melanin pigments are synthesized by the melanocytes which are the special cells and also help in storing the melanin pigments. Melanin pigments are the pigments which gives color to the skin as well the hair for human beings as well as for animals. These melanin pigments are derived from the amino acids tyrosine. When these melanin pigments fail to work properly then it will result in the condition of Vitiligo.
One of the common symptoms of Vitiligo is that the skin will have white patches in the affected areas. If there is any de pigmentation occurring then, itching will be experienced in that particular area. The white patches will be common in areas like hands, legs, lips, mouth and arms as they are exposed to sunlight for more time. Some other less commonly affected areas are armpit, groin, eyes, nostrils, navel and genitals. In focal pattern this white patches will be seen only in some few areas and in segmental pattern this white patches will be seen in one side of the body and in bilateral pattern this white patches will be seen different parts of the body. Some time there will be growth of white hair near eye brows, scalp, and eye lashes experienced.
Vitiligo is common skin disorder and those areas are also common and there is nothing to worry about it. But the cause for this occurrence is only unknown for many researchers. Some of the common areas where the white patches occur are face, hands, under arms, wrists, feet, fingers, genitals, and elbows. Some other areas are mouth, arms, hands, and legs. The occurrence of the white patches in these common areas is because of the nerve endings in that particular area and also because of the bony nature and because of the sweat glands.
The pigment loss differs a lot from one person to another person and in many conditions Vitiligo develops in one small area but later if left untreated will start to spread to other areas of the body and also the white patches which are already present will start to grow in a larger size. There are conditions of the Vitiligo to also stay in the same area for about many years and this is because happening whenever a de pigmentation happens in that particular area. There are also chances for Vitiligo to re pigment by themselves without treatment also but only in some rare cases.
Yes this will happen in many cases. Vitiligo starts to spread to other parts of the body in a very slow manner but there are no ways to say that the Vitiligo in your body will spread or not. It varies from one person to the other depending on the de pigmentation rate. This Vitiligo can develop and stay in the body for more than many years and also there are some people who might experience new white patches developing after some years. So, to avoid these problems it is better to undergo treatment with the new technologies which are available in many of the hospitals.
Segmental Vitiligo is a type of Vitiligo in which the white patches will develop only in some few areas or in one part of the body. There are many people experiencing this segmental Vitiligo with a combination of generalized Vitiligo. This is known as segmental Vitiligo. Segmental Vitiligo will also start to spread to other parts of the body if left as such without treating it. So, better carry over some treatment in order to avoid the problems which are related to it.
Generalized Vitiligo is the type of Vitiligo in which the Vitiligo will develop in a generalized way. In most of the cases it will be appearing as bilateral characteristics which mean that if you get a white patch in one elbow then you will automatically get white patches in other elbow too. This is known as generalized Vitiligo. You should also treat this type of Vitiligo to get rid of the problems which are associated with it.
Oxidative stress is one of the sources for the Vitiligo to happen or to occur in any one. Oxidative stress is nothing but the over accumulation of the hydrogen peroxide in the skin. Each and every person will have this hydrogen peroxide in the skin and an enzyme which is known as catalase helps in breaking down this hydrogen peroxide to water and oxygen in the skin. People who find problem in manufacturing this enzyme which is the catalase will develop with the problem of Vitiligo.
Many of the experts as well as researchers believe that genetic factor is also another cause for Vitiligo and about 12 % of the families are affected to this problem of Vitiligo. That is if any one member in a family has this problem of Vitiligo then some other person in that same family and also with the same gene have more chances for getting affected to Vitiligo. Apart from this more development of Vitiligo is seen with a combination of genes. There are many researches being done in order to know the exact relation between the gene and the problem of Vitiligo.
It is nothing but the susceptibility or a prediction that Vitiligo might be because of genetic factor. There are people who are affected to Vitiligo for about 20 % with other family members also affected to it. And there are also people who are affected to Vitiligo for about 80 % with no report on other family members. It is not that everyone who is susceptible to Vitiligo will develop it. There are also people who do not develop with it even after suspecting them. Some other factor other than this genetic to cause Vitiligo is environmental factor.
Vitiligo can be triggered when you are exposed to some type of chemicals that too particularly photography chemicals like phenols and lot more. These phenols chemicals can be found in products like hair colorings, house hold strains and also in some similar products. So eliminating the usage of these products keeps you away from the problem of Vitiligo and also avoids using them. There are also some other chemical substance which trigger Vitiligo. Identify them and stay away from them in order to get rid of Vitiligo.
Yes there are some things which should be avoided by a person who are affected to Vitiligo. Certain things should be avoided because if you continue with doing those things then the effect of Vitiligo will become worse and the common things which are to be avoided by the Vitiligo person are
There are no other symptoms which are related to Vitiligo other than the white patches appearance on the skin. If you are affected to Vitiligo then use sun creams more frequently in order to stay away from the sun burns which are caused because of Vitiligo. Many people think that Vitiligo can lead to other condition and will have effect on eye color and also on the retina. But experts say that there will be no impact of Vitiligo on the eye and if some are happening then it will be in some rare cases only.
Generally Vitiligo will not lead to any other conditions but in some cases there are some auto immune disorders related to it. And this might also arise to some genetic disorders. People with Vitiligo will also be common with the problem of thyroid disorder and some auto immune disorders are alopecia areata, pernicious anemia, lupus and diabetes. There is nothing to worry about these problems because it might or may not occur as they are not that much common. But many people with Vitiligo will not be leaded to any other conditions or any other auto immune disorders.
DR.JITENDRA JHALA-----Some instructions about food have been described on this link www.curepsoriasisandvitiligo.com
Vitiligo might have existed before the recorded human history of man and women. This is because the same conditions are seen in many of the animals which have survived from those years till now. Also the effect of Vitiligo and its reference has been mentioned in the bible as well as in the ancient Chinese and also in the Greek writing, from these it can be said that it has been existing before the recorded human history.
It is not necessary that every white patch which is seen in the skin should be because of Vitiligo. It might also be some other causes which are already present from the birth and might be a birth mark too. It might be also because of chemicals and also because of post burns. The white patches which are occurred because of Vitiligo will be irregular in shape and everyone should know about the cause of Vitiligo so that it will be easy for everyone to differentiate and identify the Vitiligo.
The conditions of Vitiligo and leprosy are entirely different. Leprosy is a type of infection which is caused by bacteria. In this infection the skin will have light colored patches and there will be loss of hair as well as sensation over the patches which are developed. But Vitiligo is a condition or a disorder in which the patient might develop loss of pigment and due to that there will be white patches developing on the skin. The loss of pigment is because of the absence of melanin in that particular area where the white patches has been developed.
DR.JITENDRA JHALA-----Please read a small write up on "How to cope up with vitiligo?" at www.curepsoriasisandvitiligo.com
DR.JITENDRA JHALA-----It is not possible to predict if one's vitiligo would spread. The experience shows that there are some criteria which make on prone to extensive vitiligo. Some to the factors which increase the chances of spread, though it is not a rule, are:
There are many treatments available for curing the effect of Vitiligo on the skin. Already treatments like PUVA and steroid creams were available and in addition to these treatments many new treatments has also been introduced for the problem of Vitiligo like narrow band UVB, pseudocatalse cream, excimer lasers, skin grafting and pigment transplantation. There are also topical psoralens available. Any one treatment only works best for one persone. That treatment should be identified and should be continued with that. Nothing else should be tried. Some might get immediate cure and some might get delayed depending on the type of Vitiligo that has affected their skin.
The result to the treatment of Vitiligo varies from one person to another. There are some people who will find result within 3 to 6 months but there are also some people who can find the result to more than 8 months to a year. There are also some people who are finding re pigmentation in their skin within 4 to 6 weeks. People should wait for 3 to 6 months if they are taking a treatment and if it does not get alright then further step can be taken and also to see a good result you should continue with the treatment for over 2 years. Don’t quit with any treatment since because there was no development. It might work a little later for you and so continue with it.
PUVA is a treatment which is carried over in order to treat Vitiligo and it is one of the oldest methods of treatment. People who are having more Vitiligo effect are treated with oral PUVA. This treatment should not be given for the children’s who are under the age of 10 because the eye and the cataracts can be damaged. Oral PUVA should be taken for the patients only with the prescribed dosage and the dosage should not be increased. During this treatment the skin should not be exposed to the sun light and also sun glasses should be used in order to protect the eyes.
Patients who are not able to go for the facility of PUVA for the treatment then they might be advised to ahead for the psoralen which can be used with the natural sun light. This treatment can be carried out at home itself by the patients. But the patient should carry over the instructions which are said by the doctor in order to get the best result. Also there should be regular visit to the doctor to monitor the status of your condition during this treatment.
There are many steroid creams which are available in the brand name like Elocon, Clobetasol, Cyclocort, Descort, Ultravet, Pramasone and Tridesilon. Steroid creams are very much useful in re pigmenting the skin and so many doctors recommend using it. For childrens and for adults corticosteroid creams will be prescribed because they produce hormones which are similar to the adrenal glands. This cream should be applied to the affected skin where there are white patches seen and it should be continued for about 3 months. Regular checkups should be done where the doctor will look for the skin thinning as these creams might make the skin thin.
Steroid is nothing but a word in Greek which means hormone. Steroids are the hormones which might occur in the body naturally and some are cortisol, sex hormone, bile acids, anabolic steroids, and Glutico. The hormone of cortisol is common and is essential for all life while anabolic steroids are illegal. Synthetic steroids can be used if they are prescribed and if they are used correctly according to the instructions then the problem will be cured and also the side effects which are related to it will be reduced. But if the safe guards are not followed then it might result in some other serious health issues.
People who are with small number of white patches in their skin are often treated with this topical psoralen photo chemotherapy. This treatment can also be used to children’s who are above the age of 2 and more. This treatment will be done under the guidance of the doctor with a UVA light source in order to de pigment the patches that are present on the skin. Before the exposure to the light psoralen will be applied to the patient with a thin coat by a nurse and later the light of UVA will be exposed. After some weeks this dosage of the UVA lights will be increased for a faster reaction. This helps the white patches to become pink later to become normal skin.
This is a new technology which has been introduced to treat the effect of Vitiligo. In this treatment there will be fewer risks experienced and there won’t be any severe burning or any other harmful things happening to the skin. Also there won’t be any side effects associated with it as there are no needs of medications to be taken in this method. There are many benefits associated with this treatment and because of that it has become more popular among the people and many are coming forward to carry over this treatment. This treatment can also be done in home but there should be regular check up to the hospital.
Protopic is a type of medication which is prescribed by almost all the doctors in order to cure the Vitiligo problem. Protopic is a ointment which works by re pigmenting the skin when it is applied to the affected areas. It can also be used for the problem of moderate dermatitis. This product is available in both 0.03 % strength and also in 0.1 % strength. Any one should be used according to the prescription which was given by the doctor. Before using the product, its risks and side effects should be discussed with doctor in order to know everything about protopic.
DR.JITENDRA JHALA-----Controlled Under Active Thyroid will help controlling your vitiligo. However, it has been observed that even if your thyroid levels are normal, somehow, you still are at higher risk of having spread of vitiligo.
DR.JITENDRA JHALA-----Exposure of vitiligo spots to the rising sun and the setting sun is useful to vitiligo spots. The gentle sunlight is useful in vitiligo and helps for natural re-pigmentation. Due to lack of melanin, the patches of vitiligo on skin have no natural protection against the sun's rays. Therefore, the most important reason for protecting your skin is to prevent sunburn and cancer of skin. Exposure to sun is not likely to increase vitiligo. However, the sun exposure might tan the skin making the vitiligo spot look more prominent. Exposure to the harsh sunlight should be avoided, and if the person experiences sunburn or discomfort, then patient should use sun block creams, or a cap, or full clothes, or use an umbrella.
DR.JITENDRA JHALA-----The conventional treatment comprises of use of
DR.JITENDRA JHALAVitiligo cover lotion works by darkening the white patches to match the pigmented skin. In this lotion the DHA works with the cells which are present below the surface of the skin which have stopped producing the pigment of melanin. This in turn will make the skin to produce color because of the presence of the melanin pigment. There is no need to worry about the color as the pigments are derived from your own cells and so you will be getting the color as your normal skin.
DR.JITENDRA JHALA-----It is a common experience of most clinicians that corticosteroids in the form of cream, oral or injections, may help the patient, initially; but it tends to lead to increase in the vitiligo spots on stopping it. Also, steroids have various adverse effects. You need to understand from your doctor the scope and limitation of the use of cortisone before you opt for it. Please check these two links: 1. Cortisone is no more effective as a long term treatment for Vitiligo. 2. Adverse effects of Cortisone
DR.JITENDRA JHALA-----Please check these two links: 1. Cortisone is no more effective as a long term treatment for Vitiligo. 2. Adverse effects of Cortisone
DR.JITENDRA JHALA-----Actually, this is a social question and not a medical question. It is entirely your choice to to inform your would be life partner with whom you are going to share whole of your life, that you have vitiligo. It may be remembered that if you do not inform about your vitiligo, you will have a sense of guilt; as marriage is based on the foundation of trust. However, it is not within our scope to make any suggestiO
There is probably more research being conducted today in the area of vitiligo, than ever before. From the genetic basis of autoimmune disorders, to the structure of the skin, and understanding the immune system, studies are now being conducted which may yield more information about the nature and causes of vitiligo, and how to treat it more effectively.
Vitiligo Support International is a global community organization committed to supporting those affected by vitiligo, raising awareness, promoting research, and discussing effective treatments until a cure is found.. You can help support our efforts with a tax deductible contribution on our Contribution Page.
Because people are different, and because there are thought to be many different causes of vitiligo, different treatments work better for different people. It is important to be willing to try new therapies if others are not working. Just because one treatment did not work for you, does not mean something else won't. As biotechnology improves, and as understanding of the human genome advances, and with ever more powerful computers to assist researchers, it seems almost certain that treatment therapies will continue to improve in convenience and effectiveness.
Are there cosmetics available to cover vitiligo spots? Yes, there are many products out there to provide excellent camouflage of vitiligo spots. Some people prefer traditional waterproof makeup, designed to match every skin tone, and which can be applied to the spots only. Though they are waterproof, they are not always friction proof, and some men will not wear them. These types of covers are available in every skin tone, from very fair to dark black. Other people prefer stains (or sunless tanners as they are often called) which are both waterproof and friction proof and which last for several days. Sunless tanner products should be applied ONLY to the white areas, as they will darken all skin relatively. Thus applying them all over a body part, may result in the spots still being visible. There is some controversy about the safety of sunless tanners, in particular those that contain the chemical Dihydroxy Acetone (DHA) which blocks UV rays from reaching the skin, and which may not be healthy for the skin environment. Nevertheless, many people use sunless tanners (at least on occasion), and find them a source of great relief.
Yes! Some members of Vitiligo Support have created their own safe homemade skin stain, made entirely out of rubbing alcohol (isopropyl) and ordinary Food Coloring. By mixing the ingredients together, a brownish color results, and the tone can easily be adjusted to match your skin.
Experts recommend that if you have vitiligo, you should avoid hair colorings and bleaches. Chemicals in these products called Phenols may cause the onset or further spreading of vitiligo. Natural colorings which do not contain phenols or phenol derivatives, are generally accepted as safe. When in doubt, you should consult with your physician.
It is always a good idea for people with vitiligo to use sunscreen, whenever they will be spending more than a few minutes in the sun. Besides the need to protect the skin from severe sunburn, sunscreen will keep non-vitiligo affected areas from tanning, thus helping you to avoid the contrast that results between tanned areas, and vitiligo spots. However, there are an increasing number of medical doctors who believe that SOME sun exposure, usually 5 to 15 minutes of sun exposure a few times a week, may be useful in healing vitiligo. If you are interested in this addition to your treatment, you should consult with your dermatologist to see if it is right for you.
Sun protective clothing can be a good addition or alternative to using sunscreens. Since sun protective clothing is an easy way to protect your skin from the sun without using chemicals such as those found in sunscreens, it is becoming more popular. This clothing is rated by a UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) rather than a SPF (sun protection factor), as it protects from both UVA and UVB rays. A garment with a UPF of 50 would block 98% of all UVA and UVB rays. Sun protective clothing can be found for men, women, and children, along with hats and sun protective swimwear.
The change in appearance caused by vitiligo can affect a person's emotional and psychological well-being and may create difficulty in professional and social situations. People with vitiligo can experience emotional stress, particularly if vitiligo develops on visible areas of the body, such as the face, hands, arms, feet, or on the genitals. Adolescents, who are often particularly concerned about their appearance, can be devastated by widespread vitiligo. Some people who have vitiligo feel embarrassed, ashamed, depressed, or worried about how others will react.
Several strategies can help a person cope with vitiligo. First, it is important to find a doctor who is knowledgeable about vitiligo and takes the disorder seriously. The doctor should also be a good listener and be able to provide emotional support. Patients need to let their doctor know if they are feeling depressed because doctors and other mental health professionals can help people deal with depression. Patients should also learn as much as possible about the disorder and treatment choices so that they can participate in making important decisions about medical care.
Talking with other people who have vitiligo can help a person cope. VitiligoSupport.org provides message boards and chat rooms for this very purpose, and most members here have found them an invaluable source of support. Physicians, family and friends are another important source of support.
As discussed above, many people with vitiligo have found that cosmetics that cover the white patches improve their appearance and help them feel better about themselves. A person may need to experiment with several brands of concealing cosmetics before finding the product that works best.
Finally, counseling with a licensed therapist can help you examine your fears, improve your self esteem, and find ways to deal with the emotional and social issues that everyone with vitiligo faces. This type of counseling is covered by many health insurance plans.
First, understand that to most people, vitiligo is unusual, and perhaps a bit unsettling. Do not be afraid to tell people what it is, especially children. Kids are pretty smart these days, and everyone can understand if you explain that vitiligo is a condition in which the immune system sees the pigment cells as foreign bodies, and attacks them (our best explanation). Explain that it does not hurt, and that it is a genetic condition, and is not contagious.
Finally, try to maintain a normal lifestyle. If you enjoy hiking or sports, or swimming, then you should continue to engage in these activities (remembering sunscreen where appropriate). Don't avoid social situations and parties - these are good for your psychological well-being. In the old days, many people thought vitiligo was the result of burns or chemical spills. But people are becoming more aware about vitiligo, and it seems that almost everyone knows someone with the condition.
We suggest that you be honest and open, and explain to people that vitiligo is a genetic condition, in which the body's immune system sees pigment cells as foreign bodies, and attacks them. Explain that it is a rather common condition, that it does not hurt or itch, and that it is not contagious. Finally, explain to them that treatment technology for the condition is improving, and that genetic advances may one day solve the condition. No matter who they are, everyone can identify with genetic ailments, such as cancer, leukemia, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson?s, and other conditions. When they realize that this is a condition just like every other miserable condition humans inherit, they are less likely to be afraid of it.
Children usually cope best with vitiligo when their parent(s) is/are prepared to talk about the condition as openly and truthfully as possible. To pretend you haven't noticed something so obvious may make it difficult for your child to talk to you about it. Because this is often so difficult for parents to cope with, especially as relates to other children, it is important to talk with teachers, and counselors, and to be conscious if your child is being teased or bullied. Support your child, and encourage them to get involve with activities and hobbies. Teach them that it is OK to be different, and that it doesn't make them any less important. A wonderful book for children to read, is Lori Mitchell's Different Just Like Me which teaches children that there are many different people in the world, and that they really are very much alike, despite their obvious differences.
Under various laws, most Americans (and people in many other countries) are protected from discrimination in their work or from being fired based on medical conditions or illness. If you feel that you have been discriminated against because of your vitiligo, then you should consult an attorney specializing in labor and employment law.
Relationship issues are without question one of the most important social problems that come up with vitiligo. People with vitiligo are frequently concerned that they will no longer be attractive to their significant others, partners or spouses. What we find to be the case most often, is that the partners of people with vitiligo are often times not terribly concerned about the vitiligo, and often say that it does not bother them. More often, we find that any relationship problems that arise are often created by the vitiligo-affected partner. So learn to communicate with your partner or spouse, express your concerns and fears, and LISTEN. Another possibility is to make yourself attractive in other ways. Pay attention to your hair, work out, have your teeth fixed. Skin does not always have to be the focal point.
Counseling with a licensed therapist concerning your relationship issues (either alone or with your partner or spouse) can also be invaluable here.
Don't avoid the beach or swimming pools just because of your vitiligo. Do not allow vitiligo to interfere with the joy of living. From a physical aspect, it may make sense to go swimming and to the beach in the later afternoons, when the sun is not as strong. If it makes you feel better, wear stain or waterproof makeup cover. And if people ask about the vitiligo, you should explain it to them just as indicated above.
Physicians and friends and family are all good sources for referral to a therapist. As with all professionals, personal referrals are often the most valuable. Second to that, you should try to find a therapist who has experience in counseling people with medical conditions or conditions which affect their appearance. These types of therapists may be able to explore with you ways to deal with vitiligo, both inwardly and socially, and can work with you to maintain your self-esteem and pride.
Right now, the products available for treating vitiligo, seem to be addressing the symptom of vitiligo (the spots), and not the underlying cause, which we still don't completely understand. Once a spot has been repigmented, some people report that the new pigment lasts a long time, and many do not report any relapse of that spot. Some patients feel that if you can get a spot to "close," meaning, to be repigmented completely to the naked eye, that it will have a better chance of staying repigmented. Still, a significant number of people report that after repigmenting, and then stopping treatment, that over time, from a few months to a decade or longer, the areas start to lose pigment again. The underlying cause of vitiligo is still not well understood. But whatever the cause, treating the spots is treating a symptom. Therefore, watching for new areas of vitiligo is important, so that you can begin treatment as soon as possible. Many dermatologists recommend various forms of maintenance of new pigment. Maintenance could include occasional light therapy treatments, or other options. This is also something important to consider. As research advances, we may one day soon be able to treat the CAUSE of our vitiligo, rather than just the symptoms.
This is a common thought for those with vitiligo. Why should we attempt to treat at all, and spend the money, if the permanence of our new pigment is not guaranteed? There are several reasons. First, for many people, simply making some attempt to repigment, in of itself, is a powerful emotional tool in dealing with their vitiligo. Second, it is clear that the larger an area of vitiligo, or the more extensive vitiligo is on a person, the harder it may be, and the longer it may take to repigment. Better treatments for vitiligo are almost sure to come eventually. There is more research and investigation about vitiligo taking place now that ever before in history. Clearly, if within the next three, five or even ten years, something revolutionary is developed in the field of vitiligo, the more pigment a person has at that point, the better.
