White Spots On Skin Vitiligo is a condition that causes lack of pigmentation on the skin which manifests as white spots on the body. It is a very distinguishable condition because it tends to happen symmetrically on both sides of the body. The white spots on skin can range from quite small to quite large and noticeable. Vitiligo may occur as white patches on face around the nose, eyes and mouth, or as white spots on lips.
This skin condition is believed to be an autoimmune condition and not caused by viral or bacterial sources. Because of this, it is not communicable and is harmless to the health of the individual. It however may cause psychological stress to the individual and low self-esteem. Counseling may be necessary in order to remain socially healthy. It is not possible to predict where the white blotches on skin will occur though it usually begins at the extremities. White spots on arms and legs begin at the fingers and toes or it may begin around the body’s orifices.
Vitiligo is prevalent in about 1% of the world’s population and occurs in all races. Persons affected are not born with the condition but lose their natural pigment in time. Their natural eye color may also be lost. The cause of the depigmentation is thought to be a result of an auto-immune process wherein the immune system starts attacking and destroying the pigment producing cells in the skin (melanocytes).
Vitiligo treatment mainly involves using steroids (oral and topical forms) and or light treatment in the form of ultraviolet B light. In cases unresponsive to treatment, cosmetic camouflage to mask the white patches on face and other areas, can produce excellent results. . The same may be applied to white spots on arms and legs and any part that is visible. White spots on the lips can also be concealed with special lipsticks and lip balms. Colored contact lenses may be won when eye color is lost. Newer topical therapies containing chemicals called calcineurin inhibitors can be particularly helpful for white patches on the face. These work in conjunction with sunlight to stimulate pigmentation.
The use of phototherapy to restore skin pigment does carry a risk of skin cancer. This applies to both artificial and natural light. However this is not particularly a problem if one is having a single course of UVB for vitiligo treatment, when the risk of skin cancer is minimal. In fact, UV light bulbs are also used in the early detection of Vitiligo. Small white spots on skin will glow in UV light even if they are not yet noticeable to the naked eye.
If the affected person decides to try out phototherapy, there are different clinics that offer the service. A kit may also be bought to conduct therapy at home. Oral steroids in conjunction with daily doses of phototherapy, can reverse the condition in a few months. However, if the white blotches on skin have been there for more than 3 years, the therapy may have to be taken for months.
This skin condition is believed to be an autoimmune condition and not caused by viral or bacterial sources. Because of this, it is not communicable and is harmless to the health of the individual. It however may cause psychological stress to the individual and low self-esteem. Counseling may be necessary in order to remain socially healthy. It is not possible to predict where the white blotches on skin will occur though it usually begins at the extremities. White spots on arms and legs begin at the fingers and toes or it may begin around the body’s orifices.
Vitiligo is prevalent in about 1% of the world’s population and occurs in all races. Persons affected are not born with the condition but lose their natural pigment in time. Their natural eye color may also be lost. The cause of the depigmentation is thought to be a result of an auto-immune process wherein the immune system starts attacking and destroying the pigment producing cells in the skin (melanocytes).
Vitiligo treatment mainly involves using steroids (oral and topical forms) and or light treatment in the form of ultraviolet B light. In cases unresponsive to treatment, cosmetic camouflage to mask the white patches on face and other areas, can produce excellent results. . The same may be applied to white spots on arms and legs and any part that is visible. White spots on the lips can also be concealed with special lipsticks and lip balms. Colored contact lenses may be won when eye color is lost. Newer topical therapies containing chemicals called calcineurin inhibitors can be particularly helpful for white patches on the face. These work in conjunction with sunlight to stimulate pigmentation.
The use of phototherapy to restore skin pigment does carry a risk of skin cancer. This applies to both artificial and natural light. However this is not particularly a problem if one is having a single course of UVB for vitiligo treatment, when the risk of skin cancer is minimal. In fact, UV light bulbs are also used in the early detection of Vitiligo. Small white spots on skin will glow in UV light even if they are not yet noticeable to the naked eye.
If the affected person decides to try out phototherapy, there are different clinics that offer the service. A kit may also be bought to conduct therapy at home. Oral steroids in conjunction with daily doses of phototherapy, can reverse the condition in a few months. However, if the white blotches on skin have been there for more than 3 years, the therapy may have to be taken for months.
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