Vitiligo Skin Pigmentation Problems and Ways to Treat It



Posted: Sunday, May 09, 2010

by Rosie Wallace
http://www.itchyskinrash.net

Vitiligo skin disorder is a disorder in which the skin loses its pigmentation and appears patchy because the melanocytes, which are pigment-producing cells, are destroyed. Because of this disorder, white patches appear on the patients' skin, eyes, mucous membranes, inner ears. In some case hair, also turn white. Various types of Vitiligo are linear, segmental, trichrome, and inflammatory.

The exact cause of Vitiligo is not known to the doctors and there are different theories about its cause. The most common one is that it is an autoimmune disease. This means that the effected person's immune system reacts against his own organs and tissues. Due to this, the body produces cytokines that cause the pigment producing cells to die. Another theory believes that people suffering from this problem inherit a set of three genes, which cause pigmentation. There have been reports that it can also be caused by sunburn or emotional upheavals but this has never been scientifically proven.

Over 1% of world's population is believed to be affected by this disorder. Most of the people develop it before they reach the age of forty. It is common to both sexes but more people of ethnic origin are found to be affected by this disorder. Most people with it have no other autoimmune disease . It is also believed to be hereditary and in about thirty percent of the cases, it is found that parents of vitiligo infected children carry the same disorder.

Vitiligo often starts with a place where a minor sunburn or injury has occurred. People often notice Vitiligo white patches in arms and legs first. There are mainly three patterns in which Vitiligo appears these are: focal pattern which is de-pigmentation in few localized areas, the second one is segmental pattern in which the patches appear at only one side of the body and generalized pattern which is the most common one, in this the patches appear all over the body. There is no special diagnosis for this disorder as it is very apparent to the eye. The medical history of rash, sunburns, family history of Vitiligo is taken into consideration by the doctors. In some cases, the doctors perform a biopsy to confirm. The skin sample will show zero pigmentation in case of Vitiligo. A blood test might also be done to examine the antibodies.

There are many treatments available for Vitiligo. The most commonly used treatment is (Psoralen & Ultra-Violet A light). Psoralen is a drug, which reacts with ultraviolet light and helps in darkening the skin. Many sittings are required for this kind of treatment and it does not work well and feet and hands.

Steroid creams are prescribed for initial treatment and in cases where the disorder has just started spreading.

De-pigmentation is done using chemicals like monobenzyl ether of hydroquinone (monobenzone or Benoquin) which is applied to the pigmented areas to match the color of the skin areas. This has to be done very careful and may cause some side effects. Skin grafting can also work for areas, which have small pigmentation.

People who have this disorder are advised to apply sunscreen because tanning brings out the difference in the skin areas. Small portions of patchy areas can also be covered with clever use of cosmetics. However, they should be selected with great care to suit the skin type.

Learn more about Vitiligo Skin Disorder and other issues including hives, psoriasis and skin problems such as eczema and Hot Tub Folliculitis .

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