Vitiligo

Vitiligo, What is it ?

Vitiligo is a condition characterised by patches of skin without pigment or colour as the pigment making cells are destroyed. It starts as a small patch and spreads slowly. It can start at any age and can be alarming to the patient. It can involve a small area or tend to spread to larger areas of the body. The diagnosis of vitiligo needs to be reliably made .Not all absence of pigmentation are vitiligo. There are different types of vitiligo depending upon the distribution of skin lesions and nature of spread, Acral - involving the fingers tip, lips and genitalia, Segmental -involving only one body segment, Random Patchy involvement, Generalised - Rapidly spreading to involve large areas of the body and few others types. The progression of the condition varies with each individual and is difficult to assess at the onset. 

My family member has it ,will it get it ? I have it ,will my child get it?

Vitiligo - Of the general population 1 in every 100 people (1%) can be affected. If a parent or a first degree relative is affected, then the chances are slightly increased by 5 in 100. (5%). That seems like a big increase, but even so, that means only about 1 in 20 first-degree relatives of vitiligo patients get affected. 

Is there a cure?

The response to therapy depends on the type of vitiligo and the duration of illness. Fewer and smaller patches that have been present for a shorter duration show good response. Certain types such the acral type (affecting the tips of fingers and toes) and the segmental type are quite resistant to therapy. 

What are the treatment options ?

Varies modalities of treatments are available. Topical medications such as ointments, lotions and creams, phototherapy , excimer lamp treatment are available. Better results are seen when therapy is started early in the course of the condition. A combination of therapies is usually more effective than a single treatment. Sun protection of the affected skin is an important general measure that has to be carried out by the person. Camouflage methods such as cover creams or concealing foundations, self- tanning products and tattooing(lasting for 6 months to 1 year requiring maintenance sessions) are great temporary measures boosting the confidence of the individual. It doesn't spread from one person to another (not a contagious disease) and does not affect general physical health. The stigma associated with it needs to be eliminated as it has a great psychosocial effect on the person especially in a child.