How vitiligo is caused ?
Vitiligo also known as Leucoderma is a skin condition wherein color is lost from the skin, hair and at times even the eyeballs of the patient. Discrete white patches with no surface changes are seen on the skin in various forms and shapes. Vitiligo is an autoimmune condition, wherein your body produces antibodies which act against the pigment producing cells called the melanocyte. (In other words your own body is attacking your pigment producing cells). The attack may be restricted to a certain area (Localised Vitiligo) or maybe more widespread (Generalised vitiligo) which results in white patches restricted to a certain area or being more widespread involving larger body parts. Further, vitiligo may also involve the lips, eyelids and / or genital mucosa.
Is vitiligo communicable ?
The answer is no, it is not. It can spread from one part to another in a person but it is not contagious or deadly.
How much time vitiligo take to spread ?
There can be two scenarios related to vitiligo.
- The white patches may not spread to other parts of the body and remain limited to only a certain body areas.
- Tiny patches may develop which can start spreading to the whole body after a point of time. Usually this takes a time period of about six to eight months.
Vitiligo Correction / White Patches Treatments
Which treatment is best for vitiligo ?
Vitiligo Treatment or White Patches Treatment is based on improving your skin’s appearance by restoring its colour. Re-pigmentation treatment is most successful on face and trunk; hands, feet and areas with white hair respond poorly. Compared to long standing patches, new ones are more likely to respond to medical therapy.
The Treatment is Classified into
- Medical treatment
- Surgical treatment
- De-pigmentation
Vitiligo carries with it an immense social stigmatisation and a psychosocial impact to the patient. This condition is controllable and complete re-pigmentation can be achieved in a vast majority of cases, depending upon the type and stability of the disease. Treatment typically involves medical treatment which maybe topical creams and / or lotions, oral medication, light and laser treatments and finally for resistant cases surgical management. If the affected area is very less and can somehow be hidden, then you can also use a vitiligo concealer pen which helps in covering up the area. This is helpful as this is a quick fix and used commonly when people have to attend functions or important events.