Vitiligo is a relatively uncommon skin disease, estimated to affect about one percent of the entire world popularity. The primary symptom of vitiligo is white patches of skin, which may grow to cover large parts of the body or even the entire body. This disease is most frustrating when it is on visible areas of skin, such as the face.

The symptoms of vitiligo are caused by non-functioning melanocytes, which are the cells in your skin responsible for producing melanin, the primary pigment in your skin. When the melanocytes are shut down and melanin production stops, your skin loses its pigmentation, and turns white.

Doctors and researchers are not yet completely certain exactly what causes vitiligo. They do know that genetic factors play a role in a person’s susceptibility. They also believe that it is, or can be, an auto immune disease, meaning that your body’s immune system attacks and damages your melanocytes, which then causes the vitiligo.

Since doctors are not certain of the cause, most treatment options involve treating the symptoms. There are several treatments that may be used to attempt to get your melanocytes to resume production of melanin.

One treatment involves grafting healthy skin (with functioning melanocytes) into the affected areas. Other methods involve using ultraviolet light to stimulate the patient’s melanocytes. One of the most promising treatment options uses a laser to stimulate the melanocytes. This method is showing excellent results with minimal side effects.

There are also natural approaches to treating vitiligo, most notably herbal and homeopathic approaches. Both herbal and homeopathic approaches involve attempting to address the root problems, usually relating to the immune system, digestive system, liver, kidneys, and also using topical products to target the skin itself.

The truth of the matter, however, is that there is no cure for vitiligo. Treatments are available to treat the symptoms, but there is no cure to address and remove the root problems.

I was so upset because I was living at the beach and having a tan was so important to me. Tanning was the worst thing to do if I wanted to hide the white spots that wouldnt tan on my skin. My doctor prescribed a steroid cream and antibiotics – they didnt help at all.

For most people, vitiligo is a chronic condition. For me that was not the case. Mine went away when I started to adjust my diet and started to drink raw juices and make other positive lifestyle changes.

At that time, I didnt know exactly what made it go away, just like I didnt know what brought it on.

Now, after a few decades of study and experience in holistic health, nutrition, detox, and alternative medicine – I have a hypothesis related to vitilago. I never read any material about this anywhere, but like often occurs with me I determine helpful approaches to health challenges by combining my knowledge, experience, common sense, and intuitive abilities.

Ill tell you my hypothesis. I wont go into how I came to my hypothesis other than to say that right before I had my case of vitilago I was put on lots of antibiotics for bronchitis and other respiratory issues. I also was dealing with some major life stressors.

My hypothesis is that Vitilago is a systemic fungal condition similar to, if not, Candidiasis (yeast overgrowth). Internal fungal overgrowth often shows up on the skin (psoriasis is another skin condition affected by this).

Overtaxed adrenals are often at play here as well – so stress can play a big part in contributing to this. Often Candida issues go hand in hand with stressed adrenal glands.

One of the best ways to combat a fungal problem is to not feed the fungus (it LOVES sugar – so sugar and simple carbohydrates like bread and pasta – are a big no no) and to use a natural anti-fungal substance (Im not talking about man- made medications – antifungal meds are chemicals that are often extremely harsh on the liver). Also, resting and nourishing rests the body to lessen the stress hormones released by the adrenals.

In my opinion the best natural anti-fungal substances come from our plant kingdom (nature takes care of nature) specifically therapeutic essential oils. Many of our essential oils have anti-fungal properties (and they smell so good!) such as Purification and Melrose.

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For a person affected by vitiligo, the first few white patches that appear on his skin can be quite tolerable. These patches usually appear in patterns. These patterns have three forms. One is the focal pattern wherein depigmentation occurs in a limited area. Second is the segmental pattern wherein patches appear only on one side of the body. Third, which is probably the worst one, is the generalized pattern wherein the depigmentation occurs in different areas of the body. Adding to this is the uncertainty of how the vitiligo will spread.

For some people, the white patches spread gradually while for some, in quick succession. Some findings say that emotional distress can cause the affected areas to increase in number. Common areas of appearance are the armpits, groin, around the mouth, eyes, nostril, navel, and genitals. A person with vitiligo may also have premature graying of the scalp hair, eyelashes, eyebrows, and beard.

Another surgical treatment using the pigmented skin is skin grafts using blisters. The patient’s pigmented skin is exposed to heat, which then causes blisters. These blisters are cut off and then transplanted to the depigmented area. Another simpler option is tattooing or micropigmentation. This is usually done on patients with dark skin. Tattoos, however, tend to fade in time and may even lead to blister outbreaks.

There are several other treatments for vitiligo patients. There are medical therapies, surgical therapies, and adjunctive therapies. Under medical therapies are topical steroid therapy, topical psoralen photochemotherapy, oral psoralen photochemotherapy, and depigmentation. Surgical therapy, on the other hand, include skin grafts from a person’s own tissue, skin grafts using blisters, micropigmentation or tattooing, and autologous melanocyte transplants.

Lastly, for adjunctive therapies, one can use sunscreens and cosmetics. To supplement these said therapies, one may opt to take support vitamins.

Vitiligo is a relatively uncommon skin disease, estimated to affect about one percent of the entire world popularity. The primary symptom of vitiligo is white patches of skin, which may grow to cover large parts of the body or even the entire body. This disease is most frustrating when it is on visible areas of skin, such as the face.

The symptoms of vitiligo are caused by non-functioning melanocytes, which are the cells in your skin responsible for producing melanin, the primary pigment in your skin. When the melanocytes are shut down and melanin production stops, your skin loses its pigmentation, and turns white.

Doctors and researchers are not yet completely certain exactly what causes vitiligo. They do know that genetic factors play a role in a person’s susceptibility. They also believe that it is, or can be, an auto immune disease, meaning that your body’s immune system attacks and damages your melanocytes, which then causes the vitiligo.

Since doctors are not certain of the cause, most treatment options involve treating the symptoms. There are several treatments that may be used to attempt to get your melanocytes to resume production of melanin.

One treatment involves grafting healthy skin (with functioning melanocytes) into the affected areas. Other methods involve using ultraviolet light to stimulate the patient’s melanocytes. One of the most promising treatment options uses a laser to stimulate the melanocytes. This method is showing excellent results with minimal side effects.

There are also natural approaches to treating vitiligo, most notably herbal and homeopathic approaches. Both herbal and homeopathic approaches involve attempting to address the root problems, usually relating to the immune system, digestive system, liver, kidneys, and also using topical products to target the skin itself.

The truth of the matter, however, is that there is no cure for vitiligo. Treatments are available to treat the symptoms, but there is no cure to address and remove the root problems.

Treating vitiligo would always prove to be risky. The side effects of treatments are as unpredictable the disorder’s cause. That is why vitiligo treatment should always be done with utmost care and patience.

A person’s own tissues mat be used for surgical treatment through autologous skin grafts. The doctor removes portions of the pigmented skin and then replaces the affected skin with it. Possible complications for this treatment include infections, scarring, a cobblestone appearance, or a spotty repigmentation. The greatest risk would be the skin’s failure to repigment at all.

Another surgical treatment using the pigmented skin is skin grafts using blisters. The patient’s pigmented skin is exposed to heat, which then causes blisters. These blisters are cut off and then transplanted to the depigmented area.

Another simpler option is tattooing or micropigmentation. This is usually done on patients with dark skin. Tattoos, however, tend to fade in time and may even lead to blister outbreaks.

Lastly, vitiligo can be cured surgically through autologous melanocyte transplants. Multiplying a patient’s pigmented skin through a special cell culture solution that grows melanocytes does this. The reproduced skin then is transplanted over the depigmented areas.

Additional therapies include sunscreens, which helps protect the screen from the damaging effect of the sun. Cosmetics, on the other hand, are temporary solutions, which are used to cover up the patient’s affected areas. For vitamin supplements, which may help strengthen the body’s system thus aiding the treatment of vitiligo.

There are several strategies that can be used to cope up with the emotional stress that comes with this disorder. The most important one would be finding a doctor who has inept knowledge of vitiligo and will give the patient a firm sense of security. Talking to other people with vitiligo will also help, making one aware that he or she is not alone.

One estimate says that as many as 50 million people are affected by Vitiligo around the world, and the vast majority develop Vitiligo before middle age.

Review the key facts below to gain an understanding of this distressing condition and put yourself in a position to offer practical help and support.

Just exactly what is Vitiligo?

Vitiligo is a pigmentation disorder which causes white patches of skin to develop on various parts of the body. Mucous membranes found inside the mouth, nose, and genital areas are destroyed. Often hair that grows in areas affected by Vitiligo turns white also.

Vitiligo is NOT contagious!

How is Vitiligo most easily recognized?

The white patches of skin often develop in certain recognizable patterns:

1. The Focal Pattern is where blotches of white skin appear in small limited areas
2. The Segmental Pattern is where patches of white skin appear on one side of the body only
3. The Generalized Pattern is where the areas of pigmentation disorder appear on many and various parts of the body

Parts of the body often affected are around the mouth, eyes and nose, as well as the underarms and also the genital areas.

Who are most likely to be affected by Vitiligo?

There is no delineation according to gender or even race. One common factor though is that Vitiligo sufferers often have an auto-immune disease where an individual’s immune system works against their own body organs.

Heredity can also be a factor although the majority of children of parents with the condition are not affected.

What tests are necessary for a doctor to diagnose Vitiligo?

These may include a small biopsy and a blood sample. The doctor may also delve into a person’s medical and family history to see if there are other cases of auto-immune disease.

How fast does Vitiligo spread to other parts of the body?

This is very much an individual matter. In some Vitiligo sufferers the condition remains isolated to just a few areas. In others the white patches begin to spread at varying rates. Reports indicate in the majority of cases the blotches will progressively spread.

Are there any other effects from Vitiligo?

Many persons with Vitiligo suffer varying degrees of emotional stress and depression. In the case of young persons especially the effect can be psychologically devastating due to concerns on how they will be accepted by their peers.

When visible body areas are affected an individual may withdraw and not wish to socialize due to fear of being stigmatized.

In view of this, family and friends need to offer strong emotional support, being willing to listen and empathize. There are various support groups and organizations available which do an excellent job. (See the research library in the resource box at the end of this article.)

What solutions are available for Vitiligo sufferers?

Concealing cosmetics can be used to mask the skin contrast.

A variety of medical and surgical procedures are available including steroids, skin grafting and tattooing which implants pigment into the skin.

As research is ongoing, it is wise to check with a medical practitioner to find out the latest options available for Vitiligo sufferers.

In conclusion, it must be recognized that Vitiligo can cause acute distress to those with the condition even though it is not contagious. The emotional and psychological effects however can be contained and minimized through the understanding and support of family, friends and acquaintances.

Vitiligo is a pigmentation disorder in the human skin. The human skin contains special skin cells (melanocytes) that produce the pigment melanin which colors the skin.

In Vitiligo, the special skin cells (melanocytes) as well as the tissues (mucous membranes) that line the inside of the mouth, nose, genital and rectal areas, and the retina of the eyes are destroyed. As a result, white patches of skin appear on different parts of the body. The hair may also turn white that grows in areas affected by vitiligo.

What causes vitiligo?

There are several theories regarding the cause of vitiligo but the actual cause is not fully known. According to one theory, people with vitiligo develop antibodies that, turn upon them and destroy their own melanocytes instead of protecting them. There is another theory according to which the melanocytes somehow attack and destroy themselves. Finally, some people with vitiligo have reported that a single event such as severe sunburn or an episode of emotional distress is the main cause of this order. Scientifically, events of this nature have not been accepted as the main cause of vitiligo. These are merely coincidences.

Who is affected by vitiligo?

The number of people affected by vitiligo disorder ranges from 40-50 million. It forms about 1 to 2% of people in the world. 2 to 5 million people have the disorder in the United States alone.

Vitiligo affects all races and both sexes equally and ninety-five percent of its victims are below the age of 40.

What is the association of vitiligo with autoimmune disease?

In Autoimmune diseases, a person’s immune system reacts against the body’s own organs or tissues. Vitiligo is found to be more common in people with certain autoimmune diseases.

Autoimmune diseases that are associated with vitiligo include: hyperthyroidism (over activity of the thyroid gland), adrenocortical insufficiency (the adrenal gland does not produce enough of the hormone corticosteroid), alopecia areata (patches of baldness), and pernicious anemia (a low level of red blood cells caused by the failure of the body to absorb vitamin B12).

Is vitiligo inherited?

Vitiligo may be hereditary in some cases. Children of vitiligo affected parents are more likely to develop vitiligo disorder. However, most children will not get vitiligo even if a parent has it. Also most people with vitiligo do not have a family history of the disorder.

Large number of inherited disorders are associated with vitiligo. They include: albinism of the ocular type, autoimmune polyendocrinopathy syndrome, congenital deafness with vitiligo and achalasia, dyschromatosis symmetrica hereditaria, ermine phenotype, familial histiocyctic reticulosis, kabuki syndrome, and the syndrome of spastic paraparesis, vitiligo, premature graying and characteristic facies.

The abundance of genetic diseases associated with vitiligo clearly proves that there are a number of genes which normally govern the development and wellbeing of the melanocytes.

What are the symptoms of vitiligo?

White patches (depigmentation) on the skin are the foremost symbol of vitiligo. These patches are more common in sun-exposed areas, including the hands, feet, arms, face, and lips. Other common areas are the armpits and groin, and around the mouth, eyes, nostrils, navel, and genitals.

Vitiligo generally appears in one of three patterns: focal pattern, segmental pattern and generalized pattern. In focal pattern, the depigmentation is limited to one or only a few areas. In segmental pattern, depigmented patches are developed on only one side of the body. But in the generalized pattern, depigmentation occurs on different parts of the body.