The condition known as vitiligo is defined by spots of white skin due to reduction of regular pigment (melanin) from spots of skin, most commonly occurring on the face and hands. Vitiligo is more evident in people who have dark skin.
What Is The Cause?
Vitiligo is believed to be an autoimmune disorder, in which body creates antibodies that react against its own tissues. The antibodies destroy the cells in the skin that produce melanin. About 1 in 3 people with vitiligo has a family history of the state. About the exact same percentage also have another kind of autoimmune disorder, for example pernicious anaemia.
Self-Help
- In light vitiligo, the discoloured areas can be concealed with concealing make-up. No other treatment is desired.
- The affected regions cannot tan. To prevent sunburn, you should avoid exposure to the sun and use a sunblock in direct sunshine.
- Phototherapy using ultraviolet (UV) light can help but it takes several months to function.
- Before UV treatment, you might be given a drug called psoralen to raise the susceptibility of the skin to light. This treatment, typically used for psoriasis, is called PUVA (psoralen and ultraviolet light).
What Is The Prognosis?
There isn’t any treatment for vitiligo and frequently the depigmented patches continue to enlarge slowly. Nevertheless, about 3 in 10 affected individuals recover their natural skin colour spontaneously.