home conditions vitiligo

A common disorder of skin pigmentation in which patches of skin loose their colour. Depigmented white patches are particularly obvious in dark skinned races, where the psychological impact of the disease can be enormous. It affects all races, although has been shown to be more common in darker skinned races. There tends to be a familial connection with this condition in around 30% of cases.

Vitiligo has a tendency for progression with very little chance of spontaneous regression. There can be periods of rapid progression of the disease over several months and then remain static for years.

Vitiligo tends to effect the face, neck and the back of the hands as well as normally hypo pigmented areas and openings to the body.

It can occur at any age , however there is a peek incidence between the age of 10-30 years.

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It is more common in females and effect around one in 200 people.

Vitiligo is thought to be an autoimmune disorder that causes an absence of melanocytes (the specialised cells responsible for secreting the skin pigment melanin).

Usually there are no symptoms although itching can occur.

Sometime when the skin becomes damaged by trauma (i.e.- a cut or abrasion) Vitiligo can develop in the area that has been damage. This is known as an isomorphic reaction or Koebner phenomenon.

Even though Vitiligo is seen as a harmless disease, there are some considerations to be taken into account.

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• The psychological impact, particularly when Vitiligo effect the face, can be immense. Counselling is often needed for the psychological effect of the disease.
• Education as to sun exposure. As the disease causes a decline in the production of melanocytes this can leave the skin exposed to the damaging rays of the sun. Melanocytes produce Melanin which is the substance that prevents the skin from burning. Vitiligo tends to effect sun exposed areas, so they are naturally vulnerable to the sun as they are rarely covered up. This can predispose the Vitiligo sufferer from melanoma or skin cancer. There is a higher incidence of melanoma in people who suffer with Vitiligo.
• Sometimes if large areas of depigmentation occur then the option to use chemicals to remove the rest of the pigment from the surrounding skin can be decided upon. This gives the effect of the skin appearing to be one colour instead of bi-chrome two colours) or tri-chrome (three colours). This is what a famous pop star decided to do, although I'm not entirely sure they had Vitiligo!

Traditional Chinese names translate as "White patch wind" or "Patch white".

Chinese Herbal Medicine can be an effective treatment for this condition.

Treatment using biomedicine includes the above depigmentation using chemicals, for severe cases.

Make up is suggested for disguising the area. The use of Phototherapy using PUVA (see Psoriasis) can help, but many treatments are needed for any success. Corticosteroid drugs are also used.

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