Ultimate Guide to Vitiligo Treatment: Causes & Symptoms

Vitiligo is a disorder characterised by a slow and progressive loss of skin colour in certain areas. This illness is an autoimmune disorder, although the actual cause is unknown. This post will discuss vitiligo and its various kinds, including symptoms, causes, and treatments. To get the best vitiligo treatment in Tirunelveli and other areas of Tamil Nadu, you must research and then shortlist the right centre.

An Overview of the Causes & Types of Vitiligo

A deficiency in the skin pigment melanin causes vitiligo. The cause is still not clearly known. According to the available evidence, vitiligo may result from the following:

• Genetic Transitions- Mutations and other alterations to DNA can have an effect on melanocyte functioning. Nearly 30 genes have been associated with a higher incidence of getting vitiligo.
• Autoimmune disease- The immune system falsely identifies normal cells (melanocytes) as harmful pathogens (such as germs). As a result, your immune system will overreact and produce antibodies that will attack and kill your melanocytes.
• Environmental factors- Exposure to hazardous chemicals and ultraviolet light can disrupt the normal functioning of melanocyte cells.
• Stress- If you're under a lot of mental or physical strain, especially after an injury, it could affect the quantity of pigments generated by melanocyte cells.

Different types of vitiligo

Depending on the pattern and distribution of skin depigmentation, vitiligo can be classified into several subtypes.

Non-segmental vitiligo

This vitiligo affects large areas rather than specific spots. It is also referred to as generalised vitiligo or bilateral vitiligo. The development of symmetrical and hypopigmented patches characterises this kind of vitiligo. Spots on both arms and legs are a common occurrence.
Non-segmental vitiligo is rapid and spreads over a vast area of the body. This vitiligo can sometimes develop and then pause for a while, going through periods of active and inactive development.

Segmental

This vitiligo manifests at a younger age itself. Loss of skin colour occurs in discrete patches on one part of the body in segmental vitiligo. It could occur in your face, leg, or other parts of your body. Almost 50% of those with this type of vitiligo also experience hair loss in the affected areas. This vitiligo may worsen for a year or so after it first appears, and then it will stabilise.

Subtypes

Although vitiligo is classified in broad categories based on the distribution of white patches, there are further classifications based on the extent to which the skin is affected.

Also Read:A Detailed Insight on How Laser Acne Scar Removal Can Help

Generalised

Most cases of vitiligo are of the generalised variety. Depigmentation occurs here in small, irregular patches across the whole body.

Local

When just one spot or a small number of spots on the body lose their pigmentation, it is called localised vitiligo.

Universal

The most severe form of vitiligo is known as universal. If your condition has progressed to this point, the entire skin will be depigmented entirely. This is the most severe case of vitiligo ever documented.

Symptoms to Look for Before Going in for a Vitiligo Treatment

Loss of pigmentation in the skin is the first symptom of vitiligo. Symptoms can be minimal, affecting only a localised location, or widespread, affecting the entire body. They may cause a whiter or paler complexion. Silver, grey, or white hair appears in patches across your body. Before the depigmentation begins, some patients with vitiligo experience itchy skin.

Vitiligo marks can form on any area of healthy skin. Vitiligo symptoms manifest most frequently in the following locations:

• Hands
• Arms
• Mucous membranes
• Face
• Genitals
• Feet

Everything You Need to Know About Vitiligo Treatment

While there is currently no way to restore your skin's natural pigmentation, several treatments can help reduce the appearance of white spots on your skin. Here are just a few examples:

Phototherapy with UVA radiation

This treatment uses medication to make the skin more sensitive to UVA radiation before giving UVA phototherapy to the patient. After that, strong levels of UVA radiation are directed at the affected area.

Phototherapy with UVB radiation

UVB phototherapy can be done at home and involves exposing the afflicted area to UVB rays. However, if the condition is severe and the white patches are large, they should be treated by a medical professional at any healthcare facility.

Depigmentation

This therapy can balance out skin tone by removing pigment from the skin where vitiligo has not yet spread. Those with almost no remaining pigment in their skin are the ideal candidates for this procedure. The time span for this treatment is usually 1 to 4 years.

Skin camouflage

Covering skin discoloration with cosmetics is an option for mild cases of vitiligo. If you use the right procedures, it can give you a temporary cover for up to 18 hours.

The bottomline

Vitiligo is a complicated skin condition that can have severe psychological and social consequences. There is currently no cure, but a number of treatments exist to assist control symptoms and lessen the prevalence of white skin spots. Finding the right place that provides the greatest treatment options is essential. Contact any renowned centre for skin and hair treatment in Tirunelveli, offering the right support and therapy for vitiligo.