Vitiligo

Vitiligo / White Patches is the most common dermatological disorder, in which hypo-pigmented, white patches or macules appear on the skin (skin loses its natural color). This condition affects 2% of the total population of the world. This skin disorder causes white patches on the skin. Under this kind of pigmentation disorder, cells that make pigment (melanocytes) in the skin are destroyed. As a result, white patches start appearing on the skin in different parts of the body. The vitiligo patches can appear on any part of the body and the most common areas affected by vitiligo are inside the mouth, around the nose, rectal areas, and nostrils. The same patches also appear on the mucous membranes (tissues that line the inner part of the mouth and nose) as well as the retina (inner layer of the eyeball).

Where advanced treatment for managing vitiligo is offered by experts. Though vitiligo is not as harmful as other life-threatening diseases but can affect one appearance and confidence. Sometimes, people get white patches on the areas of the skin which are exposed to the sun. The condition can affect anyone regardless of race, gender, and age, it is more noticeable in people with dark skin.

Facts About Vitiligo

There are many myths and confusion around vitiligo, and many people who are suffering from the disease are stigmatized. These facts will help one understand the condition more clearly.

  • Vitiligo is not contagious and does not spread by direct contact, but it is a lifelong health condition.
  • This skin disorder happens to anyone regardless of gender, age, or ethnicity.
  • The cause of Vitiligo is still not known, but some researches point to the autoimmune disorder to be the cause of this problem.
  • The common treatment options that are applied for severe cases are – exposure to UVA or UVB lights.

What causes Vitiligo?

The white patches (spots) occur due to the following reasons:

  • Melanin-producing cells stop working: Vitiligo happens when the melanin-producing cells stop working, resulting in the discoloration of the skin. Though the definite cause of the skin disorder is unknown, some factors are involved in affecting the work of melanocytes.
  • Immune System: When there are some changes in the immune system, it can trigger issues like vitiligo. The gene variations that influence the work of the immune system or melanocytes have roles to play in causing vitiligo. When the variations attack the immune systems and melanocytes mistakenly, white patches occur.
  • Heredity: The disease can be passed down from affected parents to progeny and family members.
  • Autoimmune Diseases: Acquired autoimmune destruction of melanocytes is one of the reasons. It mostly occurs in the areas where there is greater pigmentation such as the face and hands (mostly exposed to sunlight). As a result of the destruction of melanocytes, there is no melanin production and the skin color becomes lighter (white). Some autoimmune diseases such as hyperthyroidism, alopecia areata, and pernicious anemia can cause this problem.
  • Other causes: The other reasons are genetics, sunburn, stress, and exposure to certain harmful industrial chemicals.

TYPES OF VITILIGO:

1) Non-segmental vitiligo:

In this type of vitiligo, the patches are spread all over the body and are present in the body in a symmetrical pattern. This type of vitiligo progresses life-long. The common areas where this type of vitiligo appears are the back of the hands, arms, eyes, knees, elbows, feet, mouth, and nose. It is the most common type of vitiligo and can be further categorized into the following types based on the area where depigmentation occurs:

  1. Generalized: Appears in the form of symmetrical patches on both sides of the body.
  2. Universal: This is a very rare form of vitiligo that covers up to 80% of the body.
  3. Focal: Again a rare type of vitiligo in which only a single patch or a few patches appear on the body. In some cases, it can be an early form of generalized vitiligo. It is easier to treat focal vitiligo than generalized vitiligo. It often occurs in young children.
  • Acrofacial: Affects the fingers or toes.
  • Mucosal: Affects the area around mucous membranes and lips.

2) Segmental vitiligo:

In this type, the patches are present on one side of the body, and it is the least common type. It occurs at an early age and expands for a few years.

Vitiligo signs and symptoms:

  • Premature whitening and graying of the hair present on the eyelashes, beard, and hair.
  • Loss of skin color in patches.

Vitiligo Treatment in Noida & Greater Noida

There is no complete cure for such skin disorder, but some specific treatments can help to improve this skin condition. A dermatologist or a vitiligo specialist will advise a suitable treatment as different types of vitiligo require different treatments. The diagnosis is made with the use of a special lamp to shine ultraviolet light onto the skin to determine vitiligo.

Different types of vitiligo need a specific treatment that aims at treating the reason for the problem. Combinations of treatments can also help the skin to return to its color that has been lightened because of vitiligo.

The treatment measures for vitiligo management

1) Medications and creams:

Certain topical and corticosteroid creams can help the affected skin color to return by boosting the immune system and controlling the inflammation. The topical treatment is effective, easy to use, and improves the appearance of discoloration. They also help to start pigmenting the cells that improve the appearance of the discoloration. This treatment method is preferred for a small discolored area. The results are even visible when these creams are applied in combination with the ultraviolet lights.

2) Narrowband-UVB light:

It is also known as phototherapy, and it is an efficient method in vitiligo treatment. It is a gold standard treatment for generalized vitiligo in both adults and children. This can be safely used for pregnant ladies or lactating mothers. The treatment takes 12 months to show results and sessions are performed twice or thrice a week.

3) Excimer Laser:

If cells that stop producing pigments are stimulated in the right way, they can start producing pigment and treat vitiligo efficiently. The excimer laser uses the noble gas and reactive gas together which enhances the treatment. 308-nm excimer laser in an effective modality will treat the discoloration problem and stimulate the cells to produce pigment. This treatment is quite effective in treating facial vitiligo. Within the first 4 weeks, a dermatologist can suggest whether it’s working for the patient or not. Generally, up to 65% of improvement can be seen within 12-14 months of the treatment.

4) Surgery:

When light therapy fails to work, then surgeries are recommended. There are a few options that prove to be very effective for treating vitiligo. Some of them are mentioned below.

  • Suction Blister: A blister is created on the normal skin by using suction. The top section of blister is used and they are removing and transplant on the discolored portion.
  • Grafting: The depigmented skin is replaced with new skin that can produce the pigment. This treatment helps treat small white patches. Blister grading is also a useful technique that uses a suction process over the discolored skin.
  • Tattooing: It is done using a special surgical instrument, and is usually performed around the lip area and in people who are having darker pigmentation.
  • Drugs: The melanocytes producing drugs are implanted under the skin to promote the growth of melanocytes. Various other drugs are applied in the form of a gel to treat localized vitiligo.
  • Melanocytes: In the procedure, the melanocytes and keratinocytes (the cells of the outermost layer of the skin) are implanted on the discolored area. First, these cells are cultured in a lab overnight and then placed surgically on the affected area. It has a high success rate of as much as 95%.

Who is the best candidate for these treatments?

People who have white blotches on their skin can take help from the vitiligo treatment. The treatment can help to improve the condition of the skin. In most cases, the treatment is effective to start re-pigmenting in the cells. Dr. Sonia Dermatologist checks the medical history of the patients suffering from vitiligo and examines whether they have thyroid or autoimmune conditions or not. Then treatments and medications are prescribed accordingly based on the type of vitiligo to be managed.

Every individual body gives different responses to different treatments. When laser therapy works well on some, melanocyte proves very effective in some cases. So, treatment procedure varies to individuals, and so is the result.

  • Duration of the treatment: The duration of the treatment depends on the individuals and their degree of problems. Some people get results within 3 to 6 months, whereas some do not see results even in 8 months. To have a good result, at least for 1-2 years one must take regular treatments.

Aftercare after vitiligo treatment

  • Apply cream and ointment on the affected areas as per the direction of the doctor.
  • Take extra care while applying creams around the eyes, mouth, and nose.
  • For light therapy, the skin area that is exposed to special lights needs careful attention and proper care.
  • Patients need to understand the nature and unpredictable course of this disease. A well-balanced nutritious diet with the right quantity and quality of vitamins and minerals is essential. Avoid emotional stress, physical & chemical damage to the skin and excessive use of Vitamin C.

The individual affected with vitiligo are at higher risk of developing:

  • Eye problems (iris inflammation).
  • Skin cancer.
  • Psychological distress.
  • Sunburn.

So, do not forget to protect skin from the sun. Use sunscreen, wide brims hats, sunglasses, and clothing that covers the exposed areas. To know White Patches/Spots Treatment Cost in Noida and Greater Noida please feel free to connect.

Our Other Treatment

Our Dermatologist will recommend the most suitable treatment option based on your skin type and the severity of disease or issue.