Vitiligo is a common skin condition that affects millions of people of all ages and genders in India and across the globe. Individuals suffering from this condition would usually have white patches on different parts of their skin, as the condition causes the skin to lose its pigment.
While vitiligo is not considered a dangerous health condition, it impacts the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of the patient. Read on to find out what triggers this condition as well as how it can be treated.
Causes of vitiligo
The main cause of vitiligo is believed to be an autoimmune disorder. Genetics is also a huge factor that contributes to the development of vitiligo. However, there are various factors that are believed to trigger this condition, as diagnosed by the vitiligo treatment clinic. Such factors include:
Stress: high levels of stress or poor stress management have been proven to be the cause of multiple health conditions. In some individuals, stress can also potentially trigger vitiligo symptoms.
Environmental factors: exposure to certain environmental factors, such as certain chemicals, can trigger vitiligo.
Neural factors: according to different research and studies, nerve damage and dysfunction are believed to play a major role in the development of vitiligo.
Autoimmune disorders, such as type 1 diabetes, thyroid disorders, and rheumatoid arthritis, are believed to have a higher risk of developing vitiligo.
Genetics: an individual whose family has a history of vitiligo is more likely to suffer from the condition too.
Vitiligo treatment
The esthetic clinics offer various vitiligo medications to manage the condition. Note that treatments have to be prescribed by a professional or skin specialist like Dr. Rinky Kapoor. Some of these treatments are:
Topical corticosteroids are ointments and creams prescribed to patients that can help with vitiligo symptoms, reduce inflammation, and promote pigmentation.
Topical calcineurin inhibitors are also prescribed to help reduce inflammation. They are gentle enough to be used on sensitive body parts such as the face and genitals.
Phototherapy is a type of medication that uses ultraviolet light (UVA and UVB) to stimulate repigmentation. It works by exposing the skin to some wavelength of UVA or UVB to enhance pigmentation.
PUVA therapy is a light-sensitizing medication that combines psoralen with ultraviolet light directed on the affected areas to promote pigmentation.
Excimer laser: this is a form of targeted laser therapy that focuses on the affected area and is used to stimulate repigmentation.
Depigmentation: in cases where vitiligo has taken up a larger part of the body, a specialist may recommend depigmentation. This procedure involves lightening up areas that are not affected to even out the skin tone.
Conclusion
Vitiligo is a complex condition that doesn’t have a pinpointed cause or cure at the moment. However, medical professionals are continuing with studies and research to come up with a better solution.
Meanwhile, vitiligo patients can use any of the above-discussed treatments to manage it. Remember that it is always important to consult with a qualified health provider and skin specialist who can recommend the best treatment and management options for vitiligo.
