Vitiligo is a type of rare skin disorder in which white patches of skin appear in different parts of the body. The discoloured skin usually spreads with time and can even affect the mucous membranes, i.e. tissues of the eye, hair and the insides of the mouth.
vitiligo

Generally, the colour of the skin and hair is determined by the presence and production of a pigment called melanin. In the case of vitiligo, the cells producing melanin, i.e. the melanocytes either die or stop functioning altogether. It can affect people bearing any skin colour but is usually diagnosed in the ones having a darker skin tone. Although it is not life-threatening or contagious and is usually treatable, it can be extremely stressful and diminish one’s self-confidence. Also Read: Psoriasis: Is It Contagious?

Cause

It usually occurs when the melanocytes synthesizing melanin die or stop producing the pigment. It is still unknown as to why the melanocytes die or stop functioning, but it might be related to the following:

Age: It is commonly diagnosed in people in their twenties

Skin Colour: Though seen in all types of skin colour, commonly noticeable in people with darker skin tone.

Hereditary: Risk increases if one or more family members had this skin disorder.

Autoimmune disorders: The presence of autoimmune diseases like hyperthyroidism aggravates the risk of getting vitiligo.

Trigger Event: In rare cases, a sudden event like stress, severe sunburn, skin trauma, or chemical contact may lead to the presence of patchy white skin.

Types Of Vitiligo

Depending upon the extent of spread and the part it affects, vitiligo can be of the following types:

Universal:

Type of vitiligo where the white patchy skin occurs in almost 80% of the body.

Generalized:

A common type where skin discolouration or macules appear randomly in different parts of the body.

Mucosal:

Vitiligo usually affects the mucous membranes, i.e. nose, ears, eyes and mouth, and/or the genitals.

Focal:

A rare type of vitiligo where the macules occur in a small area and do not spread for 1-2 years in a pattern.

Segmental:

Here the discolouration is limited to one side of the body or in a certain area like the face or hands.

Trichome:

In this type, the pattern of vitiligo happens in the form of a white or colourless centre, encircled by an area of lighter pigmentation which is then followed by the normally coloured skin. Also Read: Hyperpigmentation Is Hormonal, Learn About Remedies

Symptoms

The common symptom of vitiligo is patchy white skin which can affect any part of the body including eyes, nostrils, the area around the mouth, armpits, genitals, navel, and rectal areas. Other signs and symptoms include:

Complications

Although it is not contagious, untreated spreading vitiligo can increase certain complications in the affected people including:

  • Eye Problems
  • Loss Of Hearing
  • Sunburn
  • Psychological distress

Diagnosis 

Once you notice any small white patches on the skin, it is strictly suggested to consult a doctor or skin specialist at once. The doctor usually does a thorough physical examination, acknowledges the patient’s family and past medical history followed by a couple of tests which include:

  • A complete eye analysis
  • Blood Tests consisting of Complete Blood Count Test and Antinuclear Antibody Test
  • Biopsy

Treatment

The treatment options usually depend on the age of the patient and the extent of the spread of the disease. These treatments include surgical procedures, medical remedies, and other alternative treatments.

Medical Treatments:

  • Consumption of oral medicines or application of topical ointments and creams.
  • A treatment in which the affected skin is subjected to medicine plus ultraviolet A (UVA) light (PUVA)
  • Removing the color from other areas of the skin so they match the white patches.

Surgical Treatments:

  • Covering up the affected skin by doing skin grafts from a person's tissues.
  • Tattooing small areas of skin.

Alternative Remedies:

Home Remedies For Vitiligo

While there are numerous treatment options available for treating vitiligo in the form of creams, oral medicines, skin grafting, and ultraviolet treatment, if you prefer something sans any side effects or risks, why not opt for the natural way?

We bring you some effective home remedies to manage vitiligo right at home.

Papaya

The abundance of rejuvenating traits in papaya has been known to be effective against vitiligo as it restores and revives melanin in the skin. While having fresh papaya and drinking papaya juice regularly replenishes the body with the melanins lost due to vitiligo, another great way to utilise the fruit is by rubbing the papaya pulp directly on the skin and washing it off after drying.

Basil

Prized for its powerful anti-ageing and anti-viral properties, holy basil plays a significant role in dealing with vitiligo. Make a paste of basil leaves and honey and apply it directly on the skin affected with vitiligo. This mixture triggers the production of melanin in the skin. The presence of honey in this mixture comprises proteins, fats, carbohydrates, polyphenols, and vitamin C, which have been shown to accelerate pigmentation in the skin over long use.

Also Read: Skin Care: 5 Amazing Ways In Which Turmeric Helps

Turmeric

Turmeric has high antioxidant and high anti-inflammatory qualities making it an effective home remedy for vitiligo. A uniform paste of turmeric and mustard oil is known to help in the synthesis of melanin pigment in the skin. Apply the mixture on the affected skin oil for 20 minutes and wash it off. Do this ritual twice a day for positive results.