What is Vitiligo?
In Vitiligo pale white patches develop on the skin. It is caused by the lack of a pigment in the skin which is called melanin. It can affect any area of the skin, but generally it develops on the face, neck and hands, and in skin folds. Now days it can be treated through Laser Skin Resurfacing and many other ways.
The area affected with white patches is very sensitive towards sun. It’s important to take extra care of these body parts when you are exposed to sun, you should properly cover that area and use a sunscreen with a high sun protection factor.
What are the signs and symptoms of vitiligo?
Vitiligo symptoms include the loss of skin color, white patches, de-pigmentation on one side of the body, and the loss of melanin on both sides of the body in a symmetrical pattern.
The generalized pattern develops in this disease. It can generally affect following body part:
- face
- hands
- feet
- arms
- underarms
- legs
- lips
- groin
The lining of he inside of your mouth may also change in color. Graying of scalp and lots of facial hair can also be a sign of vitiligo. This can include your eyebrows and eyelashes too.
Why Does Vitiligo Develop?
In vitiligo, there aren’t enough melanocytes to produce enough melanin in your skin. This causes white patches to appear on your skin or hair. But it’s not yet clear exactly why the melanocytes disappear from the affected areas of the skin. There are many mechanisms given by scientists to explain this disease causes, but they are not conclusive.
How much white patches can develop in vitiligo
Vitiligo is a chronic disease. Its nature of development and course is highly unpredictable. About 30% of patients report some sort of sudden re-pigmentation, particularly in sun-exposed areas.
Are all white Spots is Vitiligo?
The diagnosis of this skin disease can be made on clinical examination of a patient. Few conditions are patterned and symmetrical similar to the vitiligo.
How is vitiligo diagnosed?
Your doctor will study your medical history and possibly test a skin sample to diagnose this. Family history of the condition and reports of sunburns or blistering can also be requested. Sometimes, he or she may ask for a skin biopsy.
Your doctor may also ask for some blood tests such as to check vitamin B12 levels and thyroid function.
Is vitiligo curable?
Yes, it can be cured.
What are the treatment options available for vitiligo?
The main focus of vitiligo treatment is to restore pigment of the skin. This is done through cosmetic treatment options. Treating vitiligo requires a long-term commitment if choosing therapies. But through surgery you can get the instant results.
Here is the list of treatment option available for vitiligo.
- Steroids
- UV light therapy
- Laser Skin Resurfacing
- Immunomodulators
- Surgery
How can I get vitiligo support?
Some people with vitiligo need help coping with their emotional reaction to having a chronic skin condition that changes the looks of a person significantly. You should contact the best Skin Specialist in surat such as, “Dr. Sidhharth Sakhiya for support and proper treatment whether it is surgical or non surgical for treating vitiligo completely.