VITILIGO

Vitiligo is a skin disorder characterized by white patches of skin appearing on the face, chest, hands, armpits, groin, nipples, navel, sexual organs, anus, elbows and knees. Sometimes it affects the entire body. The exact cause of vitiligo is not yet known. But heredity plays a part. Some blame a chaotic immune system and others point the finger at certain toxins, chemicals, and even trauma that harm or destroy melanocytes, the pigments that produces skin cells. Some have found an association with other disorders, such as diabetes and thyroid problems, so thorough examination by your family physician and dermatologist is a must. But remember…this kind of disorder is not contagious.
To treat vitiligo, you can opt for cosmetic cover-ups with brands such as covermark, blenderm, and vitedye. There is also the surgical transplantation of normal melanocytes into the white areas. Doing with this PUVA therapy, steroids, and other topical solutions have achieved different degrees of success. Others have tried tattooing with gold salts; the best results have been seen on the face and neck. Some people like Michael Jackson, opt to bleach all remaining pigmented areas. The drawbacks..the whiteness created is albino-like and sensitivity to the sun’s rays is heightened. Since there is lack of pigment melanin, which is the best protection against sun damage, protect oneself from the sun with sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 and by wearing a wide-brimmed hat and a long sleeved shirt.