Vitiligo Awareness: Understanding Causes and Treatments | Continental Hospitals

Dr. T Vijayalakshmi Nayak, Consultant Dermatologist & Cosmetologist, discusses Vitiligo Awareness and Understanding Causes and Treatments.
What is vitiligo and how does it impact patients?
Vitiligo is an autoimmune disorder where patients develop white patches on their skin, commonly in sun-exposed areas like hands, feet, and face, but it can also occur in sun-protected areas. This condition has significant psychological and social impacts due to misconceptions associated with it.
Find expert advice, consultation, care & cure,
Visit us at Continental Hospitals,
Call us on 040 67000 070 or
Click below for more information
continentalhos...
What causes vitiligo?
Vitiligo is believed to be caused by the immune system attacking melanocytes, the cells that produce skin pigment. There are also genetic factors, as 20-30% of patients have a family history of the condition. Other associated autoimmune disorders include thyroid issues, type 1 diabetes, and alopecia areata.
What are the types of vitiligo?
The most common type is vitiligo vulgaris, which involves widespread white patches. Segmental vitiligo affects one side of the body in a confined area. Lip-tip vitiligo involves patches on the lips, fingertips, or toe tips. Localized vitiligo is confined to one area and does not spread.
What symptoms do vitiligo patients experience?
Patients usually notice white patches on their skin, often in sun-exposed areas but also in protected areas. These patches are typically asymptomatic, with no itching or pain. Active vitiligo can cause new patches to appear at sites of trauma, like scratches.
How is vitiligo diagnosed?
Vitiligo is primarily diagnosed through clinical examination by an experienced dermatologist. Not all white lesions are vitiligo, so additional tests like Wood's lamp examination or skin biopsy may be conducted to confirm the diagnosis.
What treatments are available for vitiligo?
Treatments include both medical and surgical options. For active vitiligo, immunosuppressive medications like steroids, methotrexate, azathioprine, and JAK inhibitors are used. When the disease is stable (not progressing for one year), surgical treatments such as mini punch grafting, suction blister grafting, and non-culture melanocyte grafting are effective.
Are there any myths about vitiligo that need to be addressed?
Yes, vitiligo is not contagious. There is no evidence that certain foods, like white-colored or sour foods, affect vitiligo. In fact, foods rich in antioxidants, such as those containing vitamins C and A, may be beneficial.
What is the key message for vitiligo patients?
Vitiligo is not contagious and can be managed effectively with available medical and surgical treatments. It is essential to consult a dermatologist early to discuss treatment options.
Find expert advice, consultation, care & cure,
Visit us at Continental Hospitals,
Call us on 040 67000 070 or
Click below for more information
continentalhos...
#VitiligoAwareness #skinhealth #autoimmunedisorders #vitiligosupport #skincare #vitiligotreatment #dermatology #skindisorders #vitiligocommunity #vitiligojourney #understandingvitiligo #vitiligoresearch #vitiligoacceptance #loveyourskin #dermatologist #vitiligolife #vitiligowarrior #skinpositivity #vitiligoawarenessmonth #skincondition #vitiligohealing #vitiligostories #skinpigmentation #embraceyourskin #vitiligofacts #healthyskin #vitiligosupportgroup #skincareroutine #vitiligotreatmentoptions #selflove #DrVijayalakshmi #ContinentalHospitals #Hyderabad
For Appointments, Call 040 67000 070
or
Visit: continentalhos...
►Subscribe / @continentalhospitalshyd for Health Tips, News & more.
Follow us on Other Platforms:
Facebook: / continentalhospitals
Instagram: / continental_hospitals
Twitter: / continental_hyd
Linkedin: / continental-hospitals