Fast facts on vitiligo
Here are some key points about vitiligo. More detail and supporting information is in the main article.
Vitiligo can affect people of any age, race or gender
Currently, there is no cure for vitiligo
Vitiligo affects melanocytes that produce the pigment melanin
The exact cause of vitiligo is not known, but some researchers believe it to be an autoimmune disorder
Some scientists think that vitiligo might be caused by a virus
You cannot catch vitiligo from another person
Vitiligo is split into two categories: non-segmental and segmental vitiligo
Exposure to UVA or UVB light can help some individuals with the condition
If more than 50% of the skin is affected, depigmentation might be an option
What are the treatment options of Vitiligo ?
Treatments can help improve the appearance of vitiligo, but there’s no long-term cure, as is the case for the vast majority of conditions.
“Vitiligo can be treated, however it’s important to note that, even after treatment, it is likely to reoccur throughout a person’s life,” says Almaani.
“Treatments include topical creams such as steroid cream, Calcineurin inhibitors [drugs that inhibit the action of calcineurin, an enzyme involved in activating the T-cells of the immune system], and photo therapy treatment which can help to produce pigmentation.”
Camouflage make-up can also be helpful.
