Vitiligo is a pigmentary disorder of the skin and mucous membranes, and it is distinguished by depigmented macules and patches. Vitiligo is a progressive disorder in which some or all of the melanocytes in the affected skin are selectively destroyed. In Vitiligo, the immune system may destroy the melanocytes in the skin. The cause of this disease is not known, nor is there a specific cure. The symptoms can be worked upon and reduced.
Vitiligo and diabetes are both connected because they are both autoimmune diseases. Vitiligo, a skin problem more commonly associated with type 1 diabetes than type 2 diabetes, affects skin coloration. Vitiligo is associated with insulin-dependent diabetes but not with non-insulin-dependent diabetes. This gives further weight to the theory that Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease.
Vitiligo generally affects the torso or chest, but can also appear on hands, neck, face, etc. People who suffer from Vitiligo must take extreme precautions while going out in the sun, and should wear sunscreen. The first symptoms of Vitiligo that people typically notice are white patches on the skin, most commonly in areas exposed to the sun.
Exposing the skin to UVB light from UVB lamps is the most common treatment for Vitiligo. The treatments can be done at home with a domestic UVB lamp or in a clinic. The UVB lamp should have a timer that turns off the lamp. Normally a small lamp is needed if the spot is small.
Psoralen and ultraviolet A light (PUVA) treatment involves taking a drug which increases the skin’s sensitivity to ultraviolet light. The skin is then exposed to high doses of ultraviolet A light. Oral PUVA is reserved for people with more extensive Vitiligo and those who don’t respond adequately to topical PUVA. Narrowband ultraviolet B (UVB) phototherapy is now used more commonly than PUVA as it is less damaging to the skin.
In mild cases, Vitiligo patches can be hidden with makeup. To reverse the depigmentation a corticosteroid cream is applied on the patches. Topically applied immuno modulatory drugs or drugs that alter the immune system also look promising. Surgery is sometimes used in people with localized areas of depigmentation that haven’t responded adequately to medical treatment.
Since Vitiligo is a skin disease, the severity of it and response to treatment is dependent on the patient and there is no general method which would work on everyone. Patients should sit with their doctors and dermatologists to chart out a plan and treatment most suitable for their condition.
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