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Vitiligo 
Frequently Asked Questions
Vitiligo is a skin disorder where skin looses it color pigment called melanin. There may either be destruction of melanin or loss of melanin pigments. What is leucoderma? Leucoderma and vitiligo practically mean the same. Leuco= white and derma= skin. While patches on skin is called leucoderma. However, every case of leucoderma may not be vitiligo. Leucoderma is a term more commonly used in Asian countries. More information on vitiligo is given on this link. http://www.leucoderma.com/app/vitiligo.asp What are the causes of vitiligo? The exact cause of vitiligo is not very clearly understood. However, there are several theories which are explained in detail on this page: http://www.leucoderma.com/app/causes.asp No one in my family has vitiligo. How did I get it? One can get vitiligo even if one in the family has or had vitiligo. Most patients of vitiligo have family history of one of the autoimmune diseases such as Vitiligo, diabetes, hypothyroid, alopecia areata, cancer, etc., which is suggestive of genetic link. Many times patients may not be fully aware of the relevant family history. How serious is vitiligo? Vitiligo is NOT serious disease. In fact, it is one of the most benign conditions that our body can have. I suggest my write up on this topic at http://www.leucoderma.com/app/innocent.asp Is vitiligo infectious? Can others touch me if I have vitiligo? Vitiligo does not spread by touch. It is not caused by any germs such as bacteria or virus. It is 100% safe to touch one who has vitiligo. It is a sign of ignorance if one avoids touching the person who has vitiligo. Should I stop eating some food articles if I have vitiligo? Some instructions about food have been described on this link: http://www.leucoderma.com/app/diet.asp My child / I have vitiligo. How do we cope up with the stress? Please read a small write up on "How to cope up with vitiligo?" at http://www.leucoderma.com/app/coping-vitiligo.asp I have vitiligo. I fear that it will spread. What are the chances of spread? It is not possible to predict if one's vitiligo would spread. The experience shows that there are some criteria which make on prone to Have extensive vitiligo. Some to the factors which increase the chances of spread, though it is not a rule, are: 1. Strong family history of vitiligo 2. Appearance of vitiligo spots on both sides (bilateral) of the body, including finger tips, toes, and lips. 3. Associated with hypothyroid (under active thyroid) or diabetes. Controlled under active thyroid will help controlling your vitiligo. However, it has been observed that even if your thyroid levels are normal, somehow, you still are at higher risk of having spread of vitiligo. Is sun exposure harmful on the vitiligo spots? Exposure to the rising sun and the setting sun is useful to vitiligo spots.
The gentle sunlight is useful in vitiligo and helps for natural re-pigmentation.
1. Corticosteroids (local and oral) 2. Psoralen 3. Immunosuppresant such as Cortisone, Tacros. 4. Phototherapy 5. Skin grafting and cosmetic surgery, etc.
What are the adverse effects of Cortisone? Please check these two links: 1.
Cortisone is no more effective as a long term treatment for Vitiligo.
2. Adverse
effects of Cortisone
I am about to get married. Should I inform my would be husband/wife about my vitiligo? It may be remembered that if you do not inform about your vitiligo, you will have a sense of guilt; as marriage is based on the foundation of trust. However, it is not within our scope to make any suggestion. I have received an offer for marriage alliance of a boy/girl who has vitiligo. Should I go ahead with the marriage with this person?As described above, it is a social question rather than a medical. However, medically speaking, one has to understand that vitiligo is not a threat to health. It not a contagious disorder; it does not spread by touch. It has more of cosmetic angle. It is a paradox that people can accept their future life partners having disease like asthma, diabetes, migraine, allergies, etc. but not a benign condition such as vitiligo! Do homeopathic medicines contain steroids (cortisone)? The steroids or cortisone are never used in homeopathy. It is surprising that when homeopathy works very well, some people like to suspect that the medicines may contain some cortisone. Also, the laboratory tests may have some false results, as expleiand in a seperate article, for which please click here. For other Online Treatment related Frequently Asked Questions, please click here. |
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