Vitiligo Treatment

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.

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.

Causes & Treatment

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

Immune System - When there are some changes happen 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.

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.

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. These may range from local creams, Narrowband UVB Light, Excimer Laser and in some cases surgery, which is very rare.

Cost & Best Doctor

Dr Poonam Raut is one of the best dermatologist or skin specialist in Purnia. She has vast experience in treating patients with Vitiligo.Dr Poonam is one of the very few skin specialists in Purnia, Bihar who is still focussed on practicing traditional dermatology rather than only cosmetology. Although she is trained in lasers and cosmetic treatments as well but her first love still remains traditional dermatology. The cost of vitiligo treatment is primarily doctor consultation fee, medications and therapies. The management of vitiligo is long term process and patient needs to be regular with the sessions. So in case of treatment of vitiligo patience and strict following of instructions given by our skin specialist Dr Poonam Raut is key to good results.