what is vitiligo :
vitiligo is a condition in which area of skin lose their normal pigment and become white. It can start in ant age group .but in half of people affected it does so before 20 years of age its course is unpredictable, varyin from single patch to total loss of skin colour. In most of people it tend to progress slowly,with periods of stability often lastin several years.
what causes vitiligo:
the pigment that gives your skin normal colour is called melanin and it is made by cells known as melanocytes.In patches of vitiligo the melanocytes are either damaged or destroyed in the body. The reason for this is not fully understood. It is thought to be an autoimmune condition.This means that your own immune system (which normally protects your body from infection )causes damage.In the case of vitiligo it destroys the skin cells that makes melanin.
what are the symptoms of vitiligo :
they fall in two groups :
1) Natural sunlight cause sunburn of the white areas of the skin
2) those affected by vitiligo may find it a cosmetic embarrassment,especially when it affects normally exposed skin. Vitilgo will stand out more when the surrounding skin is tanned or in naturally dark skinned individuals. Vitiligo usually not itchy or sore.
Can vitiligo be cured
There is no cure for Vitiligo. Although Treatments from dermatologist may be helpful and some areas may produce normal skin colour after treatment
Is there any treatment for vitiligo :
Yes. There are various managemnt options . they can be very effective in bringign back colour to the white skin patches, or atleast slowing down the progress of Vitiligo .
what are the treatment options for vitiligo :
The main available treatment options are :
creams which are used for 2 months or longer under supervision
Light treatment for which you will have to go to hospital or clinic for 2 or 3 times a weektheis is sometimes given with medicines as well.
Is vitiligo hereditary :
vitiligo has a gentic basis. Alouth only about a fifth of those with vitiligo know of someone in their family who also has it.If you have vitiligo it does not necessarily follow that your children will develop it.one need not be anxious about it.
Is it normal for pigment to come back if i have vitiligo ?
While rare, it is possible for pigmentation to come back in some individuals thoes who have vitiligo. upto 30% of patients of vitiligo reports spontaneous re pigmentation after treatment. ,particularly in area of body that receives a lot of sun exposure and on hairy areas where one has black hair. Most individuals donot find the amount of re pigmentation satisfactory .
MYTHS & FACTS ABOUT VITILIGO
myth 1: Vitiligo is a punishment of wrong doing
Facts : notions like this are entirely baseless and arise from fear or a lack of understanding of the disease .
Myth 2 :Vitiligo can be aggravated by eating milk or other white food
Facts : in truth, Vitiligo has not been shown to have any connection with diet. This means avoiding certain foods will have absolutely no impact on the progress of the condition.
Myth 3: Those affected by vitiligo are in some way inferior in their physical or mental capabilities.
Facts : vitiligo is not associated with the degree of ones intelligence It does not influence the brain or any other part of the body The effects of vitiligo are restricted exclusively to the skin.
Myth 4: Vitiligo is infectious and sufferers should be avoided
Facts : Vitiligo is in no way contagious and therefore can not be contracted from another person
Myth 5: vitiligo is related to other skin disorders such as albinism,skin cancer or leprosy
Facts :there are clear distinctionbetween each of these disorders, none of them being related to vitiligo