1. What is Vitiligo
The skin condition that causes the loss of pigment in patches of skin is called Vitiligo.
Vitiligo is a disorder where the immune system attacks and destroys cells called melanocytes. In this condition, the body attacks its healthy cells and destroys them. This skin condition causes white patches of skin to form on different body areas but most commonly appears on the face, hands and wrists. The result is usually white spots on the skin, though it can also appear pink, red, brown or yellow.
With different causes for Vitiligo, and no cure-all treatment available yet (though some people have had success with treatments like creams and phototherapy), this painless non-contagious condition causes lots of confusion!
Vitiligo can be inherited if one or both parents have it. Some people get Vitiligo from having an autoimmune disorder, while others develop it after being exposed to chemicals or other allergens.
2. How does it affect people’s lives
Vitiligo is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects approximately 1% of the population worldwide. It’s most common among people between 15-40 years old, though it can develop at any age.
There are treatments available on the market today—though they’re often expensive and may not work for everyone—but research into new therapies continues as scientists explore potential cures or ways to slow down the progression of this condition. In some cases, Vitiligo can be reversed but only if an outside factor causes it.
3. Treatment options for Vitiligo
Knowing what caused it and how to treat it can be challenging if you’ve been diagnosed with this condition. You may also have questions about the best way to manage your symptoms, especially if you have other health conditions that might complicate treatment options. The first step is to visit your dermatologist, who will diagnose you with Vitiligo and provide the best treatment options for you.
Having a positive outlook is one of the solutions to living with Vitiligo. But, it can be challenging to maintain that positivity when you have been dealing with this condition for years and wonder why there has not been more progress in treatment options.
Vitiligo can be managed with several methods:
- topical remedies such as corticosteroids or inhibitors with calcineurin
- sunlight therapy
- non-surgical medical procedures like photopheresis.
A standard topical cream used is Benoquin.
Created to treat Vitiligo, this cream has become popular among people who want to remove facial discolouration or freckles. Benoquin’s active ingredient is monobenzone (MBE) which targets the melanin in the skin. It can be applied to multiple body parts but should not be spread near or inside the mouth or eyes.
The results of this treatment are permanent.
Some users have noticed a reduction of fine lines and improved aspects of the skin in general.
4. Ways to cope with Vitiligo
Having Vitiligo can feel embarrassing and frustrating. One way of coping with this condition is by researching tips, advice, and support groups created by people living with Vitiligo every day.
Knowing you’re not alone, whether you just found out about your diagnosis or have had the condition for years now, can positively affect your mental health.
If you have Vitiligo, then avoiding sunlight will help slow down its progression too! Avoiding harsh chemicals, wearing sunglasses, keeping stress levels low are other ways to deal with this autoimmune condition.
5. Ways to prevent Vitiligo
Always wear sunscreen when spending time outdoors. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light can create burns that could lead to Vitiligo by further destroying melanocytes – cells that produce melanin that gives colour to our hair, eyes, and skin.
And since UV rays also contribute significantly towards premature ageing signs like wrinkles and fine lines on the face, wearing sunscreen every day is an easy way to fight both problems at once! We recommend using a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ daily moisturizer with antioxidants like vitamin C & E, which neutralize free radicals caused by UV radiation while repairing photoaged skin cells at the same time.
In conclusion, remember that Vitiligo is not contagious. You don’t have to worry about spreading your disease by touching or kissing someone, so there’s no need for isolation from friends and family. Staying close to those who care about you will help keep your spirits up through treatment!
Its cause isn’t always straightforward. Sometimes, doctors aren’t able to pinpoint why an individual develops this condition; however, they know that specific agents can make it more likely for people to develop it: such as previous sunburns, genetic predisposition (meaning having a parent or other family member with the disease increases one.)
If you notice new spots appearing or existing ones getting larger, see a dermatologist as soon as possible for treatment options such as topical creams and light therapy, which will help reduce pigment loss over time.
So if you have Vitiligo or think you might have it, we recommend learning about prevention and treatment options so you can take steps to protect yourself and reduce any risk by talking to a healthcare specialist right now!