Vitiligo is a skin condition that causes the loss of cells responsible for skin pigment. As a result, a person’s complexion may be white, tan, or pinkish-brown, depending on the amount of pigment still present in their body. Vitiligo affects people of all races and can affect any part of the body, including eyelids. It is most often found in areas where the skin faces more sunlight, such as the face, neck, hands, arms, and feet. Nowadays, there is much efficient vitiligo treatment in Bangalore available.
About 1% to 2% of people worldwide are believed to have vitiligo. It occurs equally both men and women at any age, but research has shown that it begins most commonly during teenage years.
The exact cause for this disease is not known; however, it tends to run in families, and it has been shown that the genetic link tends to be greater in those with vitiligo than in those who do not have it.
Various factors can cause a loss of pigment in the skin cells, including significant stress, physical trauma, both related and unrelated to stress, and even certain medications. Thyroid disease, pernicious anaemia, alopecia areata, diabetes mellitus type 1, Addison’s disease, myasthenia gravis, vitiligo, and lichen planus are all autoimmune disorders that can cause this condition. In addition, both vitiligo and lupus can be present at the same time.
Those affected by this skin condition usually begin to lose pigment from areas exposed to sunlight, including the face, hands, arms, and feet. It is important to note that they do not lose pigment from areas such as the palms of the hands or soles of the feet, which are less exposed to the sun than other parts.
Certain medications such as lithium carbonate, antimalarial drugs, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, phenothiazine drugs, phenytoin, retinoids, and sulfonamides can increase the risk for this disease.
No definitive cure has been found; however, it may be possible to slow down further skin colour loss through treatment. The best treatment for vitiligo in Bangalore includes:
- Protecting skin from sunlight – using sunscreen or protective clothing
- Treatments to help replace lost pigment – topical or UV light therapies
- Treatment for the autoimmune disorder that triggered vitiligo in the first place
More research is being done to determine effective treatment options. Vitiligo can have a profound psychological effect on people who are affected by it. Some people even develop anxiety or depression because of their appearance, and this disease is also sometimes referred to as leukoderma, which literally means “white skin”. In addition, those with vitiligo must learn how to deal with discrimination in order to cope with this disease.
However, most dermatologists have become used to dealing with patients with vitiligo and are compassionate towards them. Although there is no cure, there are many ways sufferers can take care of their skin and prevent further loss of pigment, enhancing their quality of life.
Vitiligo is a disease that many people face every day. Some may not even know they have it until it has progressed to an advanced stage. Some treatment options are available for this disease, but more research is being done to ensure no major side effects. Those who have this skin condition must learn how to deal with discrimination and stigma that can come with having vitiligo; however, living with vitiligo really depends on the person.
Dr. Pranjal Shamsher is the first Skin Doctor in Bangalore to offer natural, non-surgical and non-invasive treatments for skin disorders. She is a Registered Medical Practitioner (Registration No A-6516) and a true pioneer in Skin-Friendly Treatments.
