How to Fix Vitiligo
Vitiligo is a rare skin condition in which the melanocytes (skin cells ) that produce the skin's pigmentation deteriorate and die. When melanocytes begin to die, white patches develop on the surface of the skin. These white patches typically form first on areas of the skin that are more frequently exposed to the sun, such as the hands, arms, nose, feet and lips. While there is no known scientific cause resulting in the death of melanocytes, researchers believe that a disorder of the immune system or perhaps genetics may play a role in the deterioration of melanocytes. Vitiligo, while progressive, can take years to fully develop.
Instructions
-
-
1
There is no scientific cure for vitiligo. Treatments are available that may help with the visual appearance caused by vitiligo. Treatment is determined by the amount of vitiligo patches and can take anywhere from 6 to 18 months before visual improvements become noticeable. In some individuals, exposure to natural sunlight may help the skin's appearance. A physician may need to monitor your exposure or give you advice on how much sun exposure is needed to produce the desired results safely.
-
2
Topical treatments can sometimes change the appearance of the affected areas. Corticosteroid ointments may help restore the skin to it's normal appearance. Treatment using corticosteroid can take months before the skin's pigmentation reaches the desired color. Immunomodulators are another method of topical treatment. Tacrolimus and pimecrolimus are generally prescribed and can be used in combination with UVB treatment. In photochemotherapy, a topical psoralen is applied to the skin by your physician and is used in conjunction with sunlight exposure. Skin depigmentation is an option used for individuals when more than half of their body is affected by vitiligo. Monobenzene when applied to the non-affected areas of the skin, will force the darker areas to turn white, matching the existing white patches caused by vitiligo.
-
-
3
Oral treatment using Photochemotherapy may be used on patients who suffer from vitiligo on more than 20 percent of their body. However, according to the Mayo Clinic, "Your risk of skin cancer may be increased if you use this therapy long term."
-
4
Surgical procedures, such as skin grafts, and blister grafting may improve the overall appearance of the white patches from vitiligo. However they can leave scaring and sometimes may not transfer the pigmentation from the used skin to the grafting area. Tattooing the white areas with a natural skin color is also an option. According to the Mayo Clinic, however, "tattoo colors fade and they won't tan."
-
1
