Vitiligo
Vitiligo is a relatively common skin disorder that affects at least one out of every hundred people from all over the world irrespective race and sex. These patches appear due to destruction or malfunctioning of the melanocytes (cells responsible for producing pigment).
There are many different theories about the causes of vitiligo, among which the autoimmune theory is among the top. According to this theory the body’s immune system starts producing antibodies which turn against the body and starts destructing the melanocytes. It is believed that the basis of this autoimmune disorder is genetic.
The second theory states that it is caused by severe mental or physical hurt like severe sunburn or mental stress and according to the third theory vitiligo is caused by inheritance. It has been noted that thirty percent of the people with vitiligo inherit this skin disorder.
Many people have wrong concepts about this skin disorder. Some people think that vitiligo is infectious but that’s not true. Another wrong concept is that it is a precancerous and that’s also not true. One thing good about this skin disorder is that it just causes depigmentation and no organic harm.
The sudden change in appearance caused by vitiligo often leads the sufferer to extreme stress and other psychological problems. In such a case one must look for psychological counseling sessions.
There are several treatments available for vitiligo but none of them offers cure. These treatments either repigment the skin or completely bleach the whole skin to even out complexion. These treatments include:
- Steroid creams
- Medication combined with Ultra violet irradiation
- Laser treatment
- Surgery (skin grafts)
- Subcutaneous injections
Another solution for managing vitiligo is to use cosmetic camouflages for disguising your vitiligo. A number of cosmetic products are available which can help in camouflaging these white patches.