Vitiligo is a disorder in which white patches of skin appear on different
parts of the body. This happens because the cells that make pigment (color) in
the skin are destroyed. These cells are called melanocytes . Vitiligo can also
affect the mucous membranes (such as the tissue inside the mouth and nose) and
the eye.
People with certain autoimmune diseases (such as hyperthyroidism) are more likely to get vitiligo than people who don’t have any autoimmune diseases. Scientists do not know why vitiligo is connected with these diseases. However, most people with vitiligo have no other autoimmune disease.
Vitiligo may also run in families. Children whose parents have the disorder are more likely to develop vitiligo. However, most children will not get vitiligo even if a parent has it.
The armpits and groin (where the leg meets the body)
Around the mouth
Eyes
Nostrils
Navel
Genitals
Rectal areas.
People with vitiligo often have hair that turns gray early. Those with dark skin may notice a loss of color inside their mouths.
Will the White Patches Spread?
There is no way to tell if vitiligo will spread. For some people, the white patches do not spread. But often the white patches will spread to other areas of the body. For some people, vitiligo spreads slowly, over many years. For other people, spreading occurs quickly. Some people have reported more white patches after physical or emotional stress.
Exposing the affected skin to UVB lamps is a common treatment option. It is one of the simplest treatments and can easily be performed at home with a small lamp.
Home treatment is recommended because it is most effective when the patient uses the lamp daily. If these treatments are carried out in clinics, the patient needs to visit 2-3 times per week, which slows down recuperation time.
If the white spots are located across large areas of the body, UVB phototherapy will have to be performed in a hospital with a full body treatment. It is important to mention that even if evidence has suggested that UVB phototherapy, particularly when combined with other treatments, has a positive effect on vitiligo, it is still quite unpredictable and undependable.
There is still no real treatment that will totally re-pigment the skin to its full potential.
UVA light treatment for vitiligo
UVA treatment is most commonly conducted in a hospital clinic. Firstly, a drug is taken that increases the skin's sensitivity to ultraviolet light. The affected skin undergoes a series of treatments, exposing it to high doses of UVA light.
To see any noticeable improvements, the patient will normally have several sessions. Progress will be evident after 6-12 month of twice-weekly sessions.
Skin camouflage
In many cases, when vitiligo is considered mild, some of the white patches can be camouflaged with cosmetic colored creams and makeup. The patient should select tones that best match their skin features.
If creams and makeup are correctly applied, they can last 12-18 hours on the face and up to 96 hours for the rest of the body. Most of the topical applications are waterproof.
Who Is Affected by Vitiligo?
Many people develop it in their twenties, but it can occur at any age. The disorder affects all races and both sexes equally, however, it is more noticeable in people with dark skin.People with certain autoimmune diseases (such as hyperthyroidism) are more likely to get vitiligo than people who don’t have any autoimmune diseases. Scientists do not know why vitiligo is connected with these diseases. However, most people with vitiligo have no other autoimmune disease.
Vitiligo may also run in families. Children whose parents have the disorder are more likely to develop vitiligo. However, most children will not get vitiligo even if a parent has it.
What Are the Symptoms of Vitiligo?
White patches on the skin are the main sign of vitiligo. These patches are more common in areas where the skin is exposed to the sun. The patches may be on the hands, feet, arms, face, and lips. Other common areas for white patches are:The armpits and groin (where the leg meets the body)
Around the mouth
Eyes
Nostrils
Navel
Genitals
Rectal areas.
People with vitiligo often have hair that turns gray early. Those with dark skin may notice a loss of color inside their mouths.
Will the White Patches Spread?
There is no way to tell if vitiligo will spread. For some people, the white patches do not spread. But often the white patches will spread to other areas of the body. For some people, vitiligo spreads slowly, over many years. For other people, spreading occurs quickly. Some people have reported more white patches after physical or emotional stress.
Vitiligo Treatment In Hong Kong
UVB light treatment for vitiligoExposing the affected skin to UVB lamps is a common treatment option. It is one of the simplest treatments and can easily be performed at home with a small lamp.
Home treatment is recommended because it is most effective when the patient uses the lamp daily. If these treatments are carried out in clinics, the patient needs to visit 2-3 times per week, which slows down recuperation time.
If the white spots are located across large areas of the body, UVB phototherapy will have to be performed in a hospital with a full body treatment. It is important to mention that even if evidence has suggested that UVB phototherapy, particularly when combined with other treatments, has a positive effect on vitiligo, it is still quite unpredictable and undependable.
There is still no real treatment that will totally re-pigment the skin to its full potential.
UVA light treatment for vitiligo
UVA treatment is most commonly conducted in a hospital clinic. Firstly, a drug is taken that increases the skin's sensitivity to ultraviolet light. The affected skin undergoes a series of treatments, exposing it to high doses of UVA light.
To see any noticeable improvements, the patient will normally have several sessions. Progress will be evident after 6-12 month of twice-weekly sessions.
Skin camouflage
In many cases, when vitiligo is considered mild, some of the white patches can be camouflaged with cosmetic colored creams and makeup. The patient should select tones that best match their skin features.
If creams and makeup are correctly applied, they can last 12-18 hours on the face and up to 96 hours for the rest of the body. Most of the topical applications are waterproof.
