Vitiligo is a skin condition that leads to light and dark patches of skin discoloration. Although vitiligo commonly affects the skin, it can affect any area that has pigment, for example, a person can develop patches of white hair.
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Vitiligo is not a contagious condition, nor is it life-threatening, but it can definitely alter a person’s life. Depending on where the skin is discolored it may affect a person’s self-esteem, for example, if it covers their face or other noticeable areas. Individuals may not want to go where there are large groups of people and they may even develop depression because of it.
Vitiligo causes
When melanin-forming cells begin to die it causes vitiligo. Melanin is what gives skin, hair and even eyes their color, so when the cells stop producing pigment it creates light patches or no pigment.
Although it is not completely understood why these cells die, there are a few theories.
- It can result from an autoimmune disease, where the immune system attacks the cells.
- Family history of the condition.
- Trigger event like a sunburn or chemical reaction.
Vitiligo symptoms
The primary symptom of vitiligo is discoloration of a pigmented area of the body – skin, hair or eyes. Other signs of vitiligo include:
Skin discoloration- Premature graying or whitening of the hair – eyebrows and beard included
- Discoloration of inner mouth lining or nose
- Loss or change of color in the eye
- Discolored patches around the genitals, rectum, armpit or naval
Vitiligo can appear just about anywhere on the body, but the type you have can determine which areas are affected. Some types of vitiligo occur all over the body (generalized), some are just on one side of the body (segmental) and others only appears on select areas of the body (focal).
Vitiligo treatment
Common treatments for vitiligo include:
- Creams to control inflammation
- A form of vitamin D
- Medication for the immune system
- Medication and light therapy combined
- Light therapy
- Laser therapy
- Removing remaining color
- Skin grafting
- Blister grafting
- Tattooing to implant pigment
This past year researchers also developed a unique way to treat vitiligo by transplanting pigment cells in order to repair the affected area. Dr. Amit Pandya developed this new technique, which is less painful than conventional treatment and involves harvesting cells from a blister and transferring them to the area that is missing pigment.
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Dr. Pandya said, “This provides new hope for patients with vitiligo. The unique aspect of our procedure, which no one else in the world is doing, is the formation of blisters as the source of donor cells combined with laser surgery to prepare the grafted areas. The older method of cutting the skin leaves a scar. It doesn’t even hurt. It feels like something is sucking on your skin. Then using heat lamps we’re able to form blisters about the size of a dime.”
Natural remedies and vitiligo home treatment
Aside from medical intervention, there are important at-home natural remedies to consider as well in order to protect your skin from damage. Home treatment for vitiligo involves:
- Protecting your skin from the sun and sources of UV light to prevent sunburn and damage
- Concealing affected skin to boost self-esteem – use a cream or lotion for this and don’t use a tanning bed
- Not getting a tattoo (unless it is used as treatment)
Diet plays an important role in preventing vitiligo, see the vitiligo diet chart and foods to eat and avoid.
Emily Lunardo studied medical sociology at York University with a strong focus on the social determinants of health and mental illness. She is a registered Zumba instructor, as well as a Canfit Pro trainer, who teaches fitness classes on a weekly basis. Emily practices healthy habits in her own life as well as helps others with their own personal health goals. Emily joined Bel Marra Health as a health writer in 2013.
