Vitiligo-a distressful disease

White patches or vitiligo is a disease that is theorized to be autoimmune or oxidative , but it is yet to be confirmed what actually is the cause of this disease. It affects people of all ages , and is common in the teen age group. It can be generalized or patchy in which case it is said to be segmental vitiligo. The melanocytes[colour producing cells] of the skin are destroyed by autoimmune or oxidative mechanisms and the skin loses its colour. The white patchy lesions extend centrifugally, ie from the centre outwards and ultimately cover the whole body in case of generalised vitiligo. 10% of the cases are genetic but the rest are idiopathic, without an apparent cause.

How to treat vitiligo?

1. The first line of treatment is the use of immune inhibitors like corticosteroids or glucocorticoids. This may be in the form of a Dexamaethasone tube used topically. However, immune inhibitors do not work in all patients.

2. The second line of treatment is tacrolimus and its analogues , which inhibit the oxidative damage. It also comes as a cream and is also ineffective in a proportion of the population.

3. Treatment with UV B light induces repigmentation. this is called photoactivation. The mechanism of this treatment is that at the root of the hair follicles in the skin, there are melanocyte stem cells and upon irradiation by the UV rays they get stimulated, transferred to the skin and produce the melanin pigment, which recolours the skiin. this can alsoi be done by sitting for half an hour daily in direct sunlight , because the sun itself has UV rays. however, it is better to go to a clinic to do the procedure 2-3 timesa a week.

This treatment works in about 90% of the population.

4. Gingko biloba, vitamin B12 and Folic Acid: These are shown to be curatiove in vitiligo , possibly because of their antioxidative effects. Many success stories are posted on youtube and these items can be purchased from amazon.in. They have reversed the patches of many patients. the reversal begins at the edges and proceeds centripetally, leading ultimately to disappearing of all the pactches.

This treatment is to be taken for at least six months. The patches begin to disappear 2 months onwards ans spots begin to appear at the edges.

5. Copper and zinc: Vitiligo may be caused by a copper or zinc deficiency and thus these need to be taken in the diet. Copper is absorbed topically{ie through the skin] and thus a copper ring would suffice. Zinc can be taken as a supplement.

6. Herbal Treatments: Ginger extract, cucumber juice and spinach have been seen to be helpful in vitiligo. A paste of crushed black gram may be applied to the patches.

to be improved ia...