Understanding Vitiligo: Causes and Treatment Options

January 30, 2025

Understanding Vitiligo: Causes and Treatment Options

Vitiligo is a skin disease in which skin loses its colour in patches or spots. These patches appear to be lighter or pale in colour than the rest of the skin tone. This condition mostly affects the face, hands and neck. However, as the disease progresses, it can affect other body parts, including hair, turning it into white or silver.

In addition to that, vitiligo disease can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, or skin tone. It is often more noticeable in individuals with black or darker skin tones. Although the condition is not fatal or life-threatening, it often causes social stigma and lowers confidence.

Symptoms of Vitiligo

The common vitiligo symptoms and signs are as follows:

Spots and Patches of Lighter Skin: The condition usually starts with spots or patches lighter than the rest of the skin tone.

Patches Turn White: As the condition progresses, these lighter patches or spots start to turn white. This usually happens when the immune cells actively destroy the melanin pigments (pigments responsible for the colour of your skin). When the condition is active, the patches may appear to be pink or tricolour. Once the said condition is no longer active, the patch turns completely white.

Patches Itch: In some cases, when the condition is actively spreading, the patches may tend to itch.

Eyelash, Eyebrow, or Hair: As the condition destroys melanin pigments, it is only obvious that the condition also affects eyelashes, eyebrows, and hair. The affected hair strand appears to be white or silver.

Eye Colour Changes: In rare cases, vitiligo might affect the colour of your eyes.

What causes Vitiligo?

Vitiligo is an autoimmune chronic disease caused when immune cells start attacking melanocyte cells. However, the probable vitiligo causes are as follows:

An autoimmune condition such as Addison’s disease and rheumatoid arthritis,
Genetics, such as family history of this condition or genetic mutation.
Emotional stress, such as depression or anxiety
Physical stress such as injuries, trauma, etc
Environmental factors such as UV rays, exposure to toxic chemicals, etc.

How common is vitiligo? Who is more likely to develop this condition?

Vitiligo disease affect less than 1% of the total population. The condition affects individuals regardless of their age, se-x, race, etc. Some of the common medical conditions associated with autoimmune disease and more likely to develop vitiligo are individuals with the following conditions:

Lupus

Anemia

Psoriasis

Thyroid Disease

Diabetes (Type 1)

Addison’s Disease

Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Types of Vitiligo

Vitiligo can be categorised based on the affected body area or pattern of spreading. These types are as follows:

Focal Vitiligo: It is a rare type of vitiligo in which macules develop in a small area. This type of vitiligo does not often spread until 1 or 2 years.
Generalized Vitiligo: Most common type of vitiligo. The patches tend to appear on various parts of your body.
Segmental Vitiligo: The condition affects only one segment of the body. It will affect either the right or left side of the hand, arms, or face.
Mucosal Vitiligo: The condition affects body parts with mucous membranes like the mouth or genitals.
Trichrome Vitiligo: It resembles a bullseye. The patch tends to have a white or colourless centre, then an area of lighter pigmentation, and an area of your natural skin tone.
Universal Vitiligo: Most rare type of vitiligo in which skin loses more than 80% of its pigmentation.

Vitiligo Treatment Options

Vitiligo treatment in Gurgaon may allow skin to regain its normal color. Some of the effective and best treatments for vitiligo are as follows:

Advanced Vitiligo Treatment: Excimer Laser Therapy

Vitiligo laser treatment is performed using Excimer laser. It is one of the most effective non-invasive and signature treatments offered at Estique Skin and Hair Clinic for vitiligo management. The procedure uses UVB light (308 nm) to stimulate melanocyte activity and promote pigment production in the vitiligo-affected area. The procedure is very precise and does not harm the surrounding skin. It is the best choice for managing localized patches. One can see noticeable results in just a few sessions as it reduces depigmentation safely and effectively.

Other Promising Vitiligo Treatments:

Medications

Corticosteroids: Corticosteroids are an effective treatment option for individuals who have recently developed vitiligo.
Ointment or Cream: It is for people who have vitiligo in the neck and head.
Calc-ipo-triene: This treatment option is not effective alone, but it can be effective when applied with corticos-teroids.
JA-K i-nhibitor: This treatment option is effective in treating small, affected areas.

Surgery

Skin Graft: During this treatment, a small patch of skin is taken from the body area not affected by vitiligo and grafted onto the affected area. This covers the affected region and regains pigmentation.
Blister Grafting: In this treatment, blisters are artificially induced using a suction method on a pigmented area. This is followed by removing the top layer of the blister and attaching it to the vitiligo-affected area.

Depigmentation

In this treatment procedure, the natural colour of your skin is removed to match the vitiligo-affected area. The treatment uses a drug which is applied to a pigmented area.

How to prevent vitiligo from getting worse?

Vitiligo-affected areas are more sensitive to sunlight. Thus, the key is to wear sunscreen with 50+++ SPF
Wearing full clothing or sun-protective clothing to avoid direct exposure to the sun rays
Managing stress can help manage vitiligo
Eating a balanced diet to support the immune system can also help manage vitiligo.

Vitiligo Treatment in Gurgaon: Where to Seek Help?

If one is struggling with Vitiligo and looking for an effective Vitiligo treatment in Gurgaon, then Estique Skin and Hair Clinic offers a unique approach. The experts at the clinic evaluate the medical profile, identify the type and extent, and craft a personalized treatment plan, providing one with the best possible care.

FAQs On Vitiligo

What are the early signs of vitiligo?

The common early signs of vitiligo are light-coloured patches or spots on the skin, premature hair greying, loss of skin colour, mucous membrane changes, increased sun’s sensitivity, and others.

Can vitiligo spread over time?

Yes, vitiligo can spread over time depending on its type and pattern.

Is there a permanent cure for vitiligo?

Vitiligo can be managed or controlled with various treatment options. These treatment options work by restoring the colour of the skin.

Does vitiligo affect internal organs or overall health?

Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease. It does not generally affect the internal organs or health. But if not managed, it can lead to sunburn, skin cancer, hearing loss, impaired vision, etc.

If vitiligo affects one’s life, it is time to consult a vitiligo treatment doctor in Gurgaon at Estique Skin and Hair Clinic.

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MEET DR. NEHA SHARMA

MBBS, MD – Dermatology, Venereology, Leprosy (VMMC & Safdarjung Hospital), Fellowship in Dermatosurgery and LASERS (Singapore), Fellowship In Cosmetic Dermatology (Thailand)