2008-Jun-27 - Vitiligo
Vitiligo
Vitiligo is a skin disease in which white patches appear on the skin due to loss of pigmentation. It can appear anywhere on the body, usually the distribution is symmetrical, or irregular shape. On some parts of the body vitiligo appear more frequently, like eyelids, around the mouth, neck, elbows, wrists, armpits, back of hands.
Who is affected by vitiligo:
The vitiligo is a common disease which about, nearly half of those who develop vitiligo do so before the age of 20 and about 20% of those affected have a family the same pathology. Most of the affected population with vitiligo are in good condition overall.
Vitiligo affects both sexes and all races and equally and ninety-five percent of its patients are below the age of 40.
As for as concern with inheritance vitiligo may or may not be heredatery.
Melanin a Substance:
Melanocytes produce the substance called melanin, the substance that determines skin color, hair and eyes is. If these cells die or are altered and can not synthesize melanin, the skin becomes clearer or completely white.
Causes of vitiligo:
If we talk about the causes of vitiligo then the role of Melanocytes cell are prominent. While there is no 100% perfect cause yet discovered.
Some antibodies produced in body destroy the melanocytes.
Where as some researcher say that a gene NLAP1 is responsible for the defect in immune system. Some theory are also present which claim the nerve cell, alteration in the immune system, genetic defect and abnormality in melanocyte itself for the destruction of the melanocytes. Resulting in the depigmentation.Where as the causes of vitiligo may vary from person to person.
Are there any treatment for vitiligo:
In some cases the best treatment for vitiligo is doing nothing; skinned people in very clear avoiding sun exposure so as not to bronze areas with pigment, vitiligo remains imperceptible.
Today there are dozen of different types of treatment are available for vitiligo.
Some Common Vitiligo Treatments:
PUV:
This treatment base upon the naturally occurring substances psoralen which increase the sensitivity of the skin to the sun after the use of Psoralen the patients are exposed to the specific type of UV emited by an equipment made for this porpuse.
The psoralenos may be used topically, when areas of vitiligo are small or, as is often used in oral capsules.
This is most effective treatment available for vitiligo according to some dermatologist but remember the use of UV radiation alone is dangerous and risky.
Oral Pasoralen Therapy:
In this treatment the psoralen get naturally from the substance and use directly in form of recepy with other substances.
With sun exposure this treatment is quite helpful, but due to the following reason mostly people not use this.
1. The teste of it very unpleasunt
2. Large quantities are usually required for oral intake which is very cumbersome
3. Due to some side effects like allergic symptoms And pigmentation of the whole body.
It is highly recommended that not use this without the consultation of the dermatologist.
Take care about Sun Exposure:
Sunburn is a common symptom of vitiligo. Vitiligo skinned patients should avoid sun exposure in hours of greater intensity to prevent burns. Melanocytes provide natural protection from the harmful radiation of the sun. Because the areas of skin with vitiligo do not have melanocytes these areas should be carefully protected from the sun.
which do not require the melanocytes to give color to the skin. These options do not alter the course of the disease but conceal its effects.
Does the vitiligo is curable:
Small spots of Vitiligo gets re-pigmented fast than large, big spots. Small spots have more success rate over big spots.
It is rare that the skin of patients with vitiligo return to its normal colour, and even in some cases there is a total loss of pigmentation so that there are no areas of contrast.
So far, is still conducting research on various topics related to vitiligo. Currently unknown what causes the rise, and there is no vitiligo treatment that means the cure safe but there are several treatment options available that can give some improvement.
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