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Vitiligo  FAQs
What is Vitiligo?
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 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.
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.
Due to lack of melanin, the patches of vitiligo on skin have no natural
protection against the sun's rays. Therefore, the most important reason for
protecting your skin is to prevent sunburn and cancer of skin. Exposure to sun
is not likely to increase vitiligo. However, the sun exposure might tan the skin
making the vitiligo spot look more prominent.
Exposure to the harsh sunlight should be avoided, and if the person experiences
sunburn or discomfort, then patient should use sun block creams, or a cap, or
full clothes, or use an umbrella,
Treatment:
Conventional treatment:
What is the conventional treatment for vitiligo?
The conventional treatment comprises of use of 1. corticosteroids (local and oral), 2. Psoralen, 3. Immunosuppresant such as
Cortisone, Tacros. 4. Phototherapy 5. Skin grafting and cosmetic surgery, etc.
I have been prescribed cortisone (cortisone, steroids) which has helped, but I am getting more spots on my body.
It is a common experience of most clinicians that corticosteroids in the form of cream, oral or injections, may help the patient, initially; but it tends to lead to increase in the vitiligo spots on stopping it. Also, steroids have various adverse effects.
You need to understand from your doctor the scope and limitation of the use of
cortisone before you opt for it. Please check these two links:
1.
Cortisone is no more effective as a long term treatment for Vitiligo.
2. Adverse
effects of Cortisone
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
Homeopathic treatment:
What is homeopathy?
Homeopathy is an alternative medicine originated in Germany. Please click this for more information. http://www.leucoderma.com/app/homoeopathy.asp
How does homeopathy treat vitiligo?
The homeopathic treatment treats vitiligo by possibly regulating the immune mechanism.
> Controlling the spread of Vitiligo by attempting to correct the immune system
> Enhancing the natural melanocyte formation (melanogenesis)
Please read more at http://www.leucoderma.com/app/treatment.asp
What is the strength and limitation of homeopathic treatment for the treatment of vitiligo?
Homeopathic is believed to treat vitiligo by stimulating the melanin and by controlling the melanin destruction process, which is genetically determined. Early cases, less extensive cases of vitiligo respond extremely well to homeopathy. However, in moderately severe cases it can control further sprees, In cases of extensive (wide spread) cases, homeopathy cannot offer much success.
Please read more on yours chances of cure at http://www.leucoderma.com/app/chances.asp
Please conduct this curability test by clicking http://www.leucoderma.com/app/curability-register.asp
If I am on the conventional steroids, can I start with homeopathy?
Yes.
Do I need to stop the conventional medicines if I have to start with homeopathy?
No. Initially, you have to continue both the medicines simultaneously. Once your vitiligo improves, you have to reduce the dose of the conventiaol medicines.
Are there side effects of homeopathic medicines?
There are no bad adverse effects.
Do they interact with the conventional medicines?
No. Homeopathic medicines can be safely taken with the conventional medicines.
When do I start seeing improvement after starting homeopathy medicine?
Most patients start observing improvement within about six to eight weeks. Those who are on steroids may take time.
If I am on some other medications such as drugs for diabetes, hypertension, etc.; do I have to stop them while on homeopathy?
No. You can continue all other medicines for other diseases if you start with homeopathy. Homeopathy does not adversely interact with the conventional medicines.
What are homeopathic medicines prepared from?
The homeopathic medicines are largely sources from minerals, herbs, chemicals, etc. More information available at http://www.leucoderma.com/app/ingredients.asp
I am about to get married. Should
I inform my would be husband/wife about my vitiligo?
Actually, this is a
social question and not a medical question. It is entirely your choice to to
inform your would be life partner with whom you are going to share whole of your
life, that you have 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!
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