Vitiligo is a common skin disorder characterized by the development of
depigmented macules and patches.
These patches and macules correspond histologically to decreased or absent cutaneous melanocyte in the skin.
main mechanism of melanocyte destruction in vitiligo is theorized to be an autoimmune lymphocytic attack on melanocyte
The prevalence of the disease is around 1% in the world population
Both men and women equally affected
Rate of occurrence do not differ according to skin type or race, though the lesions are most noticeable in pigmented individuals.
The onset of illness occurs before 20 years of age in 50% of patients - therefore it can also be a significant paediatric problem
Narrow band ultra violet B (NB-UVB) phototherapy or PUVA should be considered in adult patients:
with vitiligo who do not respond to conservative therapy
who have widespread vitiligo
with localised vitiligo associated with poor quality of life
with darker skin types
serial clinical photographs (every 2-3 months) should be used to monitor the efficacy of treatment (4)
narrowband UVB has been used in the treatment of vitiligo
this form of phototherapy can safely induce long remissions
should be considered in patients (children or adults) who cannot be effectively managed with conservative treatment
hands and feet react poorly to NB-UVB therapy
PUVA therapy may also be beneficial in some patients, perhaps by the photostimulation of residual melanocytes
however, the treatment must be maintained for several months, and there are concerns over the possible side-effects of exposure to high-intensity ultraviolet light for long periods, particularly in younger patients
should be used only in adults who cannot be effectively managed with conservative treatment. PUVA is not recommended for children. If phototherapy is required for the treatment of non-segmental vitiligo, narrowband-UVB should be preferred over oral PUVA.
Chinese medicine is an China form of medicine that combines herbal/natural remedies with surgery to treat vitiligo. In the Chinese medicine approach to treatment, the digestive track is instantly targeted. It is all about using an alternative approach to treat vitiligo. First, the proper diet is suggested with a strict elimination of salt. The approach is to remove the toxens (ama) and then purifying the body with oils, heat therapy and puragation. Blood is removed during a procedure called venipuncture. Organic herbs are administered and sometimes even leeches are applied to the affected areas. Chinese medicine is a different approach to medicine, but some health care professionals highly recommend it.
These patches and macules correspond histologically to decreased or absent cutaneous melanocyte in the skin.
main mechanism of melanocyte destruction in vitiligo is theorized to be an autoimmune lymphocytic attack on melanocyte
The prevalence of the disease is around 1% in the world population
Both men and women equally affected
Rate of occurrence do not differ according to skin type or race, though the lesions are most noticeable in pigmented individuals.
The onset of illness occurs before 20 years of age in 50% of patients - therefore it can also be a significant paediatric problem
Narrow band ultra violet B (NB-UVB) phototherapy or PUVA should be considered in adult patients:
with vitiligo who do not respond to conservative therapy
who have widespread vitiligo
with localised vitiligo associated with poor quality of life
with darker skin types
serial clinical photographs (every 2-3 months) should be used to monitor the efficacy of treatment (4)
narrowband UVB has been used in the treatment of vitiligo
this form of phototherapy can safely induce long remissions
should be considered in patients (children or adults) who cannot be effectively managed with conservative treatment
hands and feet react poorly to NB-UVB therapy
PUVA therapy may also be beneficial in some patients, perhaps by the photostimulation of residual melanocytes
however, the treatment must be maintained for several months, and there are concerns over the possible side-effects of exposure to high-intensity ultraviolet light for long periods, particularly in younger patients
should be used only in adults who cannot be effectively managed with conservative treatment. PUVA is not recommended for children. If phototherapy is required for the treatment of non-segmental vitiligo, narrowband-UVB should be preferred over oral PUVA.
Chinese medicine is an China form of medicine that combines herbal/natural remedies with surgery to treat vitiligo. In the Chinese medicine approach to treatment, the digestive track is instantly targeted. It is all about using an alternative approach to treat vitiligo. First, the proper diet is suggested with a strict elimination of salt. The approach is to remove the toxens (ama) and then purifying the body with oils, heat therapy and puragation. Blood is removed during a procedure called venipuncture. Organic herbs are administered and sometimes even leeches are applied to the affected areas. Chinese medicine is a different approach to medicine, but some health care professionals highly recommend it.
