Vitiligo results in a loss of skin color. Vitiligo usually occurs in
families, and may sometimes also involve diabetes, thyroid disorders, and some
other conditions.
Vitiligo Causes
Vitiligo appears to occur when immune cells destroy the cells that produce brown pigment (melanocytes). This destruction is thought to be due to an autoimmune problem, but the cause is unknown.
Vitiligo may appear at any age. There is an increased rate of the condition in some families. The condition affects about 1 out of every 100 people in the United States.
Vitiligo is associated with three other autoimmune diseases:
Addison's disease
Hyperthyroidism
Pernicious anemia
Vitiligo Treatment & Home Remedies
Vitiligo is difficult to treat. Early treatment options include the following:
Phototherapy, a medical procedure in which your skin is carefully exposed to ultraviolet light. Phototherapy may be given alone, or after you take a drug that makes your skin sensitive to light. A dermatologist performs this treatment.
Medicines applied to the skin, such as:
Corticosteroid creams or ointments
Immunosuppressant creams or ointments, such as pimecrolimus (Elidel) and tacrolimus (Protopic)
Topical drugs such as methoxsalen (Oxsoralen)
Skin may be moved (grafted) from normally pigmented areas and placed onto areas where there is pigment loss.
Several cover-up makeups or skin dyes can mask vitiligo. Ask your health care provider for the names of these products.
In extreme cases when most of the body is affected, the remaining skin that still has pigment may be depigmented. This is a permanent change that is used as a last resort.
It is important to remember that skin without pigment is at greater risk for sun damage. Be sure to apply a broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB), high-SPF sunscreen or sunblock and use appropriate safeguards against sun exposure.
Learn about chinese medicine treatment for vitiligo 2017
Vitiligo Causes
Vitiligo appears to occur when immune cells destroy the cells that produce brown pigment (melanocytes). This destruction is thought to be due to an autoimmune problem, but the cause is unknown.
Vitiligo may appear at any age. There is an increased rate of the condition in some families. The condition affects about 1 out of every 100 people in the United States.
Vitiligo is associated with three other autoimmune diseases:
Addison's disease
Hyperthyroidism
Pernicious anemia
Vitiligo Treatment & Home Remedies
Vitiligo is difficult to treat. Early treatment options include the following:
Phototherapy, a medical procedure in which your skin is carefully exposed to ultraviolet light. Phototherapy may be given alone, or after you take a drug that makes your skin sensitive to light. A dermatologist performs this treatment.
Medicines applied to the skin, such as:
Corticosteroid creams or ointments
Immunosuppressant creams or ointments, such as pimecrolimus (Elidel) and tacrolimus (Protopic)
Topical drugs such as methoxsalen (Oxsoralen)
Skin may be moved (grafted) from normally pigmented areas and placed onto areas where there is pigment loss.
Several cover-up makeups or skin dyes can mask vitiligo. Ask your health care provider for the names of these products.
In extreme cases when most of the body is affected, the remaining skin that still has pigment may be depigmented. This is a permanent change that is used as a last resort.
It is important to remember that skin without pigment is at greater risk for sun damage. Be sure to apply a broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB), high-SPF sunscreen or sunblock and use appropriate safeguards against sun exposure.
Learn about chinese medicine treatment for vitiligo 2017
