Vitiligo
- Like camouflaging makeup, the first step to using fake tans should be to cleanse affected areas. You can use a piece of cloth or brush instead of water.
- After cleansing, apply a moisturizer to prevent skin dryness. Wait for about 5 minutes for the moisturizer to settle.
- Apply the fake tan according to given instructions or generally in circular motions from centre outwards.
- Bony body areas naturally seem to have more pigment. Apply less tanning product on these areas.
- When done, avoid tight clothing so that the lotion will not wear off with the clothing or sweat. Fake tans can also stain clothing.
Tanning lotion for vitiligo
Quite a number of products and brands fall in the category of tanning lotions. These are products that stimulate production of melanin. More melanin means more skin pigment. Tanning lotion can be in form of cream, spray, lotion or even gel. It may be of indoor, outdoor or sunless type. [RELATED] The main active ingredient in most tanning lotions is DHA. This is a compound that interacts with proteins on outer layer of the skin, causing it to become darker. Other ingredients such as oils may be added to protect the skin or aid in UV absorption. Indoor tanning lotion: These are commonly used with tanning beds away from direct sunlight. They do not protect from sunburns. There are several subtypes in this category which use UVB lamp for vitiligo. Outdoor tanning lotion: These are lotions used when tanning with the help of natural sunlight. Such are a considerable option for vitiligo on legs. Sunlight contains harmful UV rays that may not only cause sunburn but can lead to skin cancer and immature skin aging. To avoid this, use of sunscreen is recommended. Sunless tanning lotion: Sunless tanning lotion doesn’t rely on sunlight. Here, products are applied directly. These products soon fade leaving behind tanning effects. Sunless tanning lotion produces temporary results. It is a much better choice for it reduces risk of skin cancer and skin aging. Most people have to try several times before settling on the best tanning lotion or product. Indoor tanning lotions have however been said to enhance UV radiation instead of preventing it. Outdoor lotions on the other hand may take long for desired results to be achieved. This is not to mention the risk of getting sunburn, skin damage and skin cancer. Blue copper 5 vitiligo can be used with outdoor tanning lotion to prevent skin aging and encourage tanning. Sunless tanning lotions seem like a better option but produce temporary results.Other vitiligo treatment products
There are supermodels who have been diagnosed with vitiligo but still able to go on with their careers successfully. You can check out stories of models with vitiligo and how they cope with the disease online. In most cases, camouflaging makeup is used by models and celebs especially when in public places. Some are so perfectly matched with skin tone that it is impossible to tell if the individual has vitiligo. [RELATED] Other than tanning and camouflaging products, medications such as Elidel and Protopic may help. These work by suppressing the immune system. Vitiligo is largely an autoimmune disease. It occurs when melanocytes are mistakenly attacked by overactive immune cells. By using immunosuppressants, the disease may be kept from spreading. Such medications are usually prescribed for eczema but can work for cases such as penile vitiligo. Vitiligo skin disorder can be treated or managed in a variety of ways. The best approach is to talk with your doctor before embarking on a specific form of treatment. In fact, vitiligo can also develop in animals such as pets. Rottweiler with vitiligo is a good example. [post_title] => Ways to Camouflage Vitiligo by Using Cosmetic Makeup, Cream and Lotion [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => ways-to-camouflage-vitiligo-by-using-cosmetic-makeup-cream-and-lotion [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2018-05-08 02:07:03 [post_modified_gmt] => 2018-05-08 02:07:03 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://skinanswer.com/?p=4927 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [1] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 5297 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2018-04-13 16:43:07 [post_date_gmt] => 2018-04-13 16:43:07 [post_content] => Vitiligo is a disease caused by loss of melanin. Melanin is the substance that gives color to the skin. In its absence, the skin becomes pale or milky-white. The disease affects 1% of human population. There is more to what is vitiligo that can be learnt on the internet today. Patients can always approach their doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Animals too can be affected by vitiligo, dogs and cats especially. An animal with vitiligo will not develop any serious health complications. In fact, it is more about being esthetically appealing than physically healthy. Most cases of animals with vitiligo are caused by autoimmune activities and hereditary factors. Other factors such as stress and environmental conditions can trigger vitiligo cycles. Since vitiligo in animals is not considered a dangerous condition, treatment is not always necessary. Tattoo ink can however be implanted by a veterinarian to darken vitiligo affected areas.Vitiligo dog causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment
Vitiligo dog signs often appear on nose and around eyes. Other areas can also be affected. Causes A number of factors may be responsible for vitiligo in a dog. They include;- Autoimmune activities – sometimes, the immune system becomes so active that it destroys healthy body cells, melanocytes in this case. This results in loss of pigment and thus vitiligo.
- Genetic factors – about 30% of all vitiligo cases run in families. The defective gene responsible for loss of pigment can be passed from parents to offspring. In dogs, the gene often produces its effects in middle ages.
- Stress – diseases are common causes of stress in dogs. Any source of extreme or chronic stress can trigger vitiligo cycles in dogs. Stress is also a common cause of vitiligo in toddlers.
- Exposure to toxins – some toxins may take away the ability of melanocytes to produce melanin. Exposure can be internal or external.
- Inspect usual areas – vitiligo in dogs often begins in nose and around eyes. Start by looking for loss of pigment particularly on nose. Note that color changes in dogs’ noses sometimes changes with seasons.
- Check for complete pigment loss – vitiligo doesn’t cause color changes that resemble normal transformations that may occur from time to time. The disease causes complete loss of pigment, which results in white patches. The whiteness will be noticeable both on skin and fur.
- Have the dog checked – your vet will help rule out other possible causes of pigment loss. The vet will also determine if your doctor is affected by uveodermatological syndrome, which is an autoimmune disease that may cause loss of vision and pigment.
There is no treatment that will completely restore pigment to a vitiligo affected dog. It is also not likely that color will return naturally to affected areas. The good thing is that vitiligo will not harm your dog mentally or physically. In fact, it is not rare to see beautiful vitiligo in animals.
Your vet may suggest use of tattoo ink or supplementing with vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C and omega-3s. Vitamins for vitiligo such as vitamin B-12 with folic acid, Vitamin D and minerals like zinc and copper are used in humans. They may also work on dogs and pets. Another option that may help is letting the dog spend more time in sunlight in the hopes that the exposure will stimulate production of melanocytes.
Vitiligo cat types, symptoms and treatment
Vitiligo cat cases are caused by autoimmune activities, genetic factors, environmental factors or stress. The disease doesn’t cause pain or physical distress. Types- Acrofacial – this type appears on paws and around orifices.
- Mucosal – loss of pigment occurs in soft linings of mouth, nose, eyes and lips.
- Focal – presents as spots appearing on localized body areas.
- Generalized – white patches form in no systematic fashion.
- Universal – loss of pigment occurs in most of the body.
Vitiligo in birds
Discoloration in birds caused by vitiligo was thought to be not common. People are nowadays able to share stories and pictures through social media. It is now known that vitiligo is not uncommon in birds, including chicken.
The same disorder that causes vitiligo in humans is responsible for vitiligo in birds. Sometimes, it happens that melanocytes are lost or become unable to produce melanin. This presents as discoloration on different parts of the body.
Vitiligo in birds doesn’t cause pain or any serious complications. Problems may however occur if the disease is being caused by an autoimmune disease that may be fatal to the bird.
Some experts think that studying the changes that take place in chicks with vitiligo may help understand the disease better. This is particularly because vitiligo is caused by autoimmune activities and hereditary factors. Birds with vitiligo therefore tend to have defining characteristics which may be passed to offspring.
If we are able to understand the exact cause of vitiligo in humans, a cure may not be long way in coming. The main difficulty with developing a cure for the disease is due to the fact that not all is known on how the disease occurs.
Other cases of vitiligo in animals
In humans, vitiligo almost always causes cosmetic concerns. This is a common problem in celebs who have been diagnosed with the disease. Tamar Braxton vitiligo saga is a good example. This is not the case with animals. It is not uncommon to find beautiful vitiligo in animals. Both domestic and wild animals can develop vitiligo. Sometimes, it is not easy to tell whether difference in pigmentation is due to natural causes or discoloration caused by vitiligo. Pregnancy is a potential vitiligo trigger. It doesn’t necessary cause the disease but triggers cycles. This means that the offspring is unlikely to develop the disease. [RELATED] There are many pictures on the web of animals with vitiligo. Changes are most noticeable in hair color but also occur on the skin. It is important to note that animals affected by vitiligo are still able to stay healthy. The main possible complication is becoming sensitive to sunlight. Affected areas may also become sensitive to pests, insects and bugs. This is especially in wild animals. Essential oils for vitiligo can be used on pets to reduce cases of skin sensitivity.How is vitiligo in animals treated?
Treating vitiligo in domestic animals like dogs and cats is much easier compared to wild animals. A vet can use tattoo ink to restore some of the lost pigment. Supplements can also be added in meals. For wild animals, nature is often left to take its course. This is mainly because vitiligo doesn’t not lead to complications serious enough to kill victims or even render a species extinct. More research is required if an actual cure for vitiligo, not only in animals but also in humans is to be developed. In fact, studies done in animals may be a source of important breakthrough to coming up with a vitiligo cure. [post_title] => Animals affected by Vitiligo: Cats, Dogs, Birds and others. [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => animals-affected-by-vitiligo-cats-dogs-birds-and-others [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2018-04-17 18:19:06 [post_modified_gmt] => 2018-04-17 18:19:06 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://skinanswer.com/?p=4925 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [2] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 5296 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2018-04-12 10:35:29 [post_date_gmt] => 2018-04-12 10:35:29 [post_content] => The skin gets its color from melanin. Melanin is produced by melanocytes. Melanocytes are found in large numbers in the upper skin layer known as the epidermis. When melanocytes are absent or lose their ability to produce melanin, the skin appears pale but mostly milky-white. This disease is called vitiligo. Vitiligo doesn’t cause serious complications. However, it makes affected areas particularly sensitive and prone to sunburns. The other common complication is cosmetic concern. In fact, vitiligo is more mentally than physically challenging. Is vitiligo hereditary? About 30% of all cases are hereditary but autoimmune activities are responsible for the largest percentage. There are a variety of treatment methods available. Most seek to even skin tone or restore skin pigment. This article discusses micropigmentation and laser therapy options. They are among the commonly considered treatments for vitiligo.Micropigmentation for vitiligo
Micropigmentation for vitiligo works best for vitiligo that is not spreading or has been in remission for two to three years. How it works: In simple terms, micropigmentation involves implanting pigment in vitiligo affected areas. The process is in several ways similar to tattooing. [RELATED] The pigment used during micropigmentation is metabolically inert. This means that it doesn’t break down during body process, some of which may be causing vitiligo. Patients can therefore enjoy longer lasting effects compared to most other treatments. Before the process, consult with the specialist who will carry out the procedure as required. The patient’s skin coloring will be carefully analyzed. In some cases, sample pigments will be implanted and monitored in the course of a month. This ensures that the right skin tone is achieved. During the process, an electronic device will be used to implant the pigment in affected areas. For best results, thin layers are implanted to ensure that the skin looks completely natural. This means that more than one treatment will be required, 2-4 in most cases. The whole process can be done in two hours by a specialist. Patients may be put under local anesthesia or numbing agents. How effective is it?
Results are noticeable immediately after the process. However, it may take up to 3 weeks for the desired results to fully kick in. Patients will be required to go for follow-up appointments. This is because side effects such as swelling are common. Most patients will have recovered by the sixth week after treatment. Side effects of micropigmentation are usually tolerable.
What is the cost?
Most insurance providers do not cover for micropigmentation fees. It is considered a cosmetic procedure. For this reason, the process can prove quite expensive, reaching a couple of hundred dollars in most cases.
Possible risks of micropigmentation for vitiligo
Before and after micropigmentation, patients risk the following. Autoimmune activities: One of the known potential causes of vitiligo is cuts. Cuts may produce enough skin trauma to trigger vitiligo cycles. This can be repeated during and after micropigmentation. The process of manually implanting pigment can be quite cruel especially to people with a history of allergic reactions and conditions such as atopic dermatitis. Infections: Infections are common complications of surgical operations. In fact, outpatient treatment is sometimes preferred when circumstances allow. This is because hospitals are good breeding places for bacteria and other infectious pathogens. One way to avoid this complication is getting the operation done by a professional. Swelling: It is almost assured that trauma will always result in swelling. It is a natural reaction the body uses to protect itself from more damage. The good thing is that the swelling that results from micropigmentation improves gradually and disappears in about a month or less. It also is rarely intolerable. Scar tissue: When a wound is healing, scar tissue forms on top of the injured area. Normal scar tissue regresses over time. When keloids form in scar tissue, an irregular, pink or purple colored lump with a smooth top develops. Keloids are usually unsightly and don’t regress. [RELATED] Permanent: Removing pigment implanted during micropigmentation is way harder than implanting it. This can pose a major problem if in the future you decide to get rid of the pigment. It would be more like what happens with reverse vitiligo. Other than risks, there are several identifiable limitations of micropigmentation. Herpes and HIV patients for example are not good candidates for the process. This also goes for people with a history of skin problems such as psoriasis. As it can be seen, micropigmentation is not applicable for widespread vitiligo. It works better for cases such as vitiligo on the lips or segmental vitiligo.PUVA phototherapy for vitiligo
Phototherapy for vitiligo mainly relies on light to bring about repigmentation. While it perhaps is the most practical and effective treatment method for vitiligo, complete repigmentation is not guaranteed. Regained pigment may also disappear in a few years time. PUVA therapy is a commonly used type of phototherapy for serious skin diseases including vitiligo. Although it works for most types of vitiligo, best results are achieved when the disease covers less than 20% of body area.
What is PUVA?
PUVA therapy is a combination of psoralen and UVA. Psoralen is a compound derived in plants. It makes the skin more sensitive to UVA light. UVA light is a type of ultraviolet radiation that causes skin tanning. These two substances are used together to restore skin pigment in vitiligo skin disorder patients.
How it works:
Psoralen can be taken by mouth or be applied directly. In some cases, it is added to bathwater in which patients soak.
UVA light is shone on targeted areas depending on severity of the disease. If it has spread through most of the body, the patient is required to stand in a cabinet where UVA fluorescent bulbs are fixed. Clothes and goggles are used to protect unaffected areas. The exposure duration varies from a minute to half an hour.
How effective is it?
About 75% of all patients will notice improvements with PUVA therapy after 4-6 months. It is not however guaranteed that complete repigmentation will occur. In fact, chances are that some of the regained pigment will disappear after about 4 years. Best results are achieved for vitiligo on face and in darker skinned individuals.
Side effects:
Side effects of PUVA therapy may include:
- Burns – most of sunlight that reaches us is UVA radiation. Although UVB radiation is largely responsible for sunburns, UVA can also produce a burning effect. The effect is worst after the first treatments.
- Eye damage – psoralen is harmful to eyes. UV radiation can also damage unprotected eyes. Patients should always wear protective goggles during treatment.
- Itchiness – patients often experience mild itchiness after PUVA therapy. This can be managed with medications and skin moisturizers.
- Skin damage – excessive exposure to UVA leads to loss of collagen. This results in premature skin aging, which among other things increases the chances of skin cancer.
Narrowband UVB for vitiligo
More effective treatments for vitiligo are introduced now and then. Some like narrowband UVB are improvements on preexisting methods. How it works: As the name suggests, UVB is used in this case, radiation in the range of 311-312 nm to be specific. It has been noted that this radiation stimulates production of melanocytes before it can cause the burning effect associated with UVB. [RELATED] This treatment is considered for vitiligo covering more than 20% of the body. It can be done in a hospital or at home with an artificial UVB lamp for vitiligo. The former is more convenient for widespread vitiligo, where patients stand in cabinets to receive UVB doses. It is very important that instructions given by a doctor be followed to the letter when using UVB lamp. This is partly because such devices are associated with skin cancer, including melanoma. This type of light therapy can be used for vitiligo baby treatments. That is as long as they are old enough to keep protective goggles on when instructed to do so. Topical medications and other treatments can be used with UVB therapy. Regardless, the treatment works just fine on its own for most patients. In a period of one to one and half years, 60% repigmentation will have occurred in a majority of patients. Side effects: Skin burning is the main potential side effect. This can be avoided by staying exposed only for the instructed duration of time. Since UV radiation is associated with cancer of the skin, care should be taken when using UVB lamp for vitiligo in long term. Other side effects may include itchiness and eye damage.Excimer laser vitiligo treatment
Excimer vitiligo laser treatment is a new treatment option which promises faster and better results with very few side effects.
What is it?
Excimer laser vitiligo cure is a type of light therapy. It relies on UVB light, much like narrowband UVB. The main difference is the fact that with excimer laser, fiber optic technology is used to focus a beam of light to specific areas. This prevents unnecessary exposure of UV radiation.
UVB light works on the same principle of stimulating production of melanocytes. Since more light is able to be focused within a short period of time, the risk of suffering from skin damage is minimized. This treatment should be done by a doctor.
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Advantages:
With other therapies, it is usually necessary that other forms of treatments such as medications and creams be also used. It is not the same with the excimer laser. While your doctor may suggest use of sunscreens and maybe cover lotion, the excimer laser is able to restore pigment on its own. Surgery is perhaps the only other treatment method that may produce better results than the excimer laser under the same period of time. Its precision allows it to be applicable even in cases such as vitiligo scrotum, rectal or genital treatments.
Other advantages include prevention of other skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis as well as providing desirable effects painlessly. This is not to mention that the excimer laser is not associated with side effects such as skin damage.
Outlook
Vitiligo patients face a cruel challenge of being the centre of attention, or even being accused of bleaching. Tamar Braxton vitiligo saga is a good example. While completely getting rid of vitiligo still remains a challenge, micropigmentation and light therapies can really help.
[post_title] => Micropigmentation and Laser Therapy for Vitiligo and Stoppage of Spreading
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[post_content] => Vitiligo is a disease that affects 0.5-2% of world population. It is not dangerous but can be very distressing. In fact, the disease causes more mental than physical harm. See vitiligo pictures for illustrations.
Much about vitiligo remains only vaguely understood. However, there are quite a number of myths which can easily mislead a patient. One good example is the myth that vitiligo is completely incurable. It is true that the disease has no known cure, but it can be effectively managed with medications, creams, lotions, vitamins and other products or methods.
The best treatment approach for vitiligo is to seek help from a professional. Combined efforts, mainly with therapies may have the disease treated effectively. PUVA therapy for example has a success rate of about 75% while surgery has about 90%. Better results are more likely when treatment is started early.
Vitiligo cream types and use
One of the popular treatment options is use of vitiligo cream. As it is to be expected, the cream is to be applied directly to affected areas.
Types:
There are two main types of vitiligo creams: corticosteroids and immunosuppressants. Vitiligo doesn’t cause common skin problems associated with skin diseases such as dryness and scaling. Regardless, patients sometimes experience mild itchiness and inflammation.
Corticosteroids excel in reducing inflammation and itchiness. But since they come with side effects such as skin thinness, a doctor should direct their use. This is especially when treating vitiligo baby signs. Corticosteroids are widely available and affordable. While they are not likely going to get rid of vitiligo completely, they may improve the condition generally.
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Most vitiligo cases are due to autoimmune activities. This is where immune system becomes overactive and attacks healthy cells, melanocytes in this case. Immunosuppressants are often used to calm aggressive immune cells and in the process stop their effects. Immune suppressing creams for vitiligo should only be used as directed by a doctor. While they are fairly effective, they come with a list of side effects and may in fact be of more harm than good.
Use:
Best time and fashion to use vitiligo creams depends on several factors. It is for such reasons that patients should check with their doctors beforehand. In almost all cases, the cream of choice is applied directly to the white areas. Other than corticosteroids and immunosuppressants, creams may play the role of sunscreens or be part of PUVA therapy. PUVA therapy makes use of a substance known as psoralen and UVA light. It is perhaps the most effective and practical vitiligo treatment option.
Some patients get very god results with vitiligo creams. A small mistake can however prove very costly in the long run. This is partly because body areas affected by vitiligo tend to be particularly more sensitive.
Vitiligo cover lotion use and how it works
Vitiligo skin disorder is not among the diseases that lead to life-threatening complications without treatment. For such reasons, one of the available treatment options is to conceal the white patches or make them look like normal skin. This is done with concealers, mainly colored cosmetics. Vitiligo Cover Lotion is a popular product used for this purpose.
What is it?
As the name suggests, it is a lotion meant to blend vitiligo patches with normal skin. Its main active ingredient is DHA, which comes in strength of 8%. This compound is a product of natural sources such as sugar cane and fermented glycerin.
Use:
The lotion should be applied after shower. The shower is meant to exfoliate the skin so that the lotion can reach the epidermis effectively. Before application, ensure the skin is dry. You can pat dry or leave for air drying.
Users can apply the lotion on the whole body or only on affected areas. It is advisable to ensure that areas adjacent to vitiligo patches have also been dressed with the lotion. Allow about 15 minutes for the lotion to settle before getting dressed. Since the lotion takes several hours before masking the vitiligo patches, avoid activities that may lead to excessive sweating.
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Only one application is required per week. Applying more lotion will not result in better skin tone. However, people with darker skins may need more than one application for best results. Always allow about 6-8 hours to pass before deciding if another application is necessary or not.
One application gives the desired skin tone for three to ten days. Some of the advantages of Vitiligo Cover Lotion are that it doesn’t wash off with water and works on any skin.
How it works:
Use of DHA in cosmetics has been approved by FDA. The compound reacts with specific proteins that produce skin tones. These proteins are found in the epidermis. As a result, Vitiligo Cover Lotion produces its effects without necessarily penetrating into deeper skin layers. This makes the lotion non-toxic.
Other than DHA, other substances such as aloe vera, walnut extract and Shea butter are included in the lotion. Their work is to even skin tone and in the process compliment the effects of DHA. These additional ingredients also ensure that DHA doesn’t cause side effects such as atopic eczema. They make the lotion mild enough to be used even on genital vitiligo.
Effects take place in the part of skin that contains keratin. This means that water and sweat will largely leave the effects intact.
Many celebrities who have been diagnosed with vitiligo take advantage of concealers to hide depigmented patches. With the right products, this strategy can be fairly effective and inexpensive. You can always consult a professional for help on how to choose the best product. But with inspiration from cases such as Winnie Harlow vitiligo, you can forego the whole concealing business.
Vitamins for vitiligo
Vitamins play an important role in maintaining a healthy immune system. It is no wonder that deficiencies in some vitamins are a common phenomenon in vitiligo patients. Vitamins for vitiligo are not proven vitiligo cures. They however may help improve the condition, especially when dealing with focal vitiligo. This is not to mention that they are a safer choice compared to creams and medications. Below are some popularly prescribed vitamins for vitiligo: Vitamin D: Close links have been found between vitamin D and autoimmune diseases. In people who receive low doses of this vitamin, more cases of autoimmune diseases are reported. Receiving vitamin D in foods and supplements may therefore reduce aggressiveness of vitiligo, especially in terms of segmental vitiligo turning non-segmental. [RELATED] Vitamin B-12: Other than diabetes type 1 and thyroid disease, another genetic disease commonly seen in vitiligo patients is pernicious anemia. This disease makes it hard for vitamin B-12 to be effectively absorbed in the body. It therefore may be that lack of vitamin B-12 is a predisposing factor to vitiligo. It is for this reason that vitamin B-12 with folic acid is commonly prescribed in an attempt to improve skin pigmentation. Vitamin C: Lack of vitamin C causes scurvy. This is a disease that causes skin problems and low red blood cell levels among other problems. Sunburns and cuts are among the known potential causes of vitiligo. With a weakened skin due to lack of vitamin C, frequent cases of skin trauma are inevitable. Supplementing with vitamin C may in the long run help manage vitiligo. Zinc: Zinc is an important mineral in the body. It plays a critical role in maintaining a healthy immune system. Supplementing with zinc may help suppress autoimmune vitiligo spots. Copper: Copper is often used together with zinc for vitiligo natural treatment. It works by improving skin tone. So far, further research is required to unearth the importance of copper and zinc in controlling or treating vitiligo.Sunscreens and blue copper 5 for vitiligo
Vitiligo is sometimes a genetic disease. This means it can run in families. To people who have lived with the disease for most part of their lives, treatment is not always the first thing in their minds. The problem is that vitiligo affected areas are very sensitive to sunlight. Melanin keeps the skin from sun poisoning. In its absence, even low doses of sunlight may produce a tingling effect or even sunburns.
Sunscreens offer a very practical, affordable and easy solution to this problem. For body areas such as the face where you may wear makeup, choose a fragrance free and moisturizing sunscreen. Wear it first before applying makeup.
Best sunscreen to protect vitiligo affected areas should offer broad-spectrum protection and be SPF 30+. One application daily is usually enough although sunscreen applied on face is likely to wear off before a day is over. You can always apply more than once a day. When dealing with vitiligo on back, it advisable to also apply sunscreen on arms and neck.
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Sun damage can also cause immature aging or wrinkling of skin due to loss of collagen. This can be avoided with use of products such as blue copper 5 vitiligo products.
If you can’t seem to settle on the best sunscreen to keep your skin protected, get help from a professional. Sunscreens are a crucial part of overall vitiligo treatment. In fact, segmental vitiligo can turn non-segmental in advent of sunburns caused by initial vitiligo patches.
Other treatments:
The main conventional treatments for vitiligo have not been discussed here. These include light therapy, surgery and micropigmentation. Such options are more effective but require both time and resources. For example, some online reviews swear by the Cuba cure for vitiligo while others insist on Ayurveda medicine. Micropigmentation is a sort of opposite of vitiligo. It is often considered for vitiligo on the lips. The treatment involves implanting pigment in the affected areas.
[post_title] => Vitiligo Medical Treatment with Creams, Lotions and Vitamins
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[post_content] => Vitiligo affects about 0.5-2% of world population. That translates to about 70-140 million people. Some cases go unreported. In most of these patients, vitiligo proves to be more of a physiological problem that a physical one. This is especially true when it develops on face and arms.
Having vitiligo doesn’t mean that something is seriously wrong with the person. In most cases, autoimmune dysfunctions are to blame. Hereditary factors can also be to blame. Common triggers include stress, sunburns and cuts. People mostly develop vitiligo between ages of 3 and 20 years. Vitiligo in toddlers and middle aged people is also possible.
Among other cells, the skin contains melanocytes which make melanin. This is the substance that protects from sun damage and also gives color to the skin. Most melanocytes are contained in the epidermis but also occur in follicles and mucosal membranes. Activities or disorders that inhibit or destroy melanocytes result in loss of pigment. This presents as milky-white spots or patches, the main signs of vitiligo. Although the signs often show up on body areas exposed to sunlight, the genitals can also be affected.
Vitiligo penis pictures and treatments
In vitiligo penis pictures, the condition is noted to be most common on the penile shaft. Penile vitiligo can also occur on the mucosal membrane of urethra. This is not very common. Causes: A person cannot get vitiligo after having unprotected sex with a partner diagnosed with the disease. Vitiligo is not contagious. In more than 50% of all vitiligo on the penis cases, autoimmune activities will have played a part. An autoimmune activity occurs when the immune system becomes overactive and ends up destroying healthy cells. There are about 80 diseases that are considered autoimmune. [RELATED] Is vitiligo hereditary? Genetic factors are responsible for about 30% of all vitiligo on the penis cases. In this case, the gene responsible for vitiligo is passed from parent to offspring. A good example is Prince Jackson vitiligo case. Vitiligo acquired this way is often accompanied by signs of other hereditary diseases, the likes of diabetes type 1 and Hashimoto’s thyroid disease. Such signs may include being thirsty and frequent urination for diabetes, or extreme fatigue and sluggishness for thyroid disease. It is not a guarantee that these symptoms will be present. Another common autoimmune disease is lupus. Vitiligo and lupus rarely occur together. Being stressful has been known to trigger vitiligo cycles. In the genitals, mental stress is the more likely cause compared to physical trauma.
Symptoms:
The main sign of vitiligo is appearance of milky-white patches on the skin. On the penis, the disease can begin with small individual spots on the shaft. These spots may spread and join to form larger patches. It is not uncommon for vitiligo on penis to have spread from adjacent areas such as groin or anus.
Most skin conditions, especially in private areas, are associated with pain, itchiness, sores and discharge. Of all these, itchiness is the only symptom that may present in vitiligo affected areas. Pink coloration may be noticed at the borders of the patches that have formed. This is caused by blood vessels and is no cause for concern.
Treatment:
Treatments used for vitiligo may prove too crude to be used on the sensitive skin of the penis. In this case, a doctor may suggest methods to keep the disease from spreading. For example, treating an underlying condition thought to be causing vitiligo may work.
Vitiligo scrotum pictures and treatments
Vitiligo on the scrotum mostly occurs on part of the scrotal sac just below the penis. This can be seen in vitiligo scrotum pictures. Constant contact with the penis has something to do with it, however. The same factors that may cause vitiligo on other body areas can also cause it in the scrotum. These include autoimmune activities, stress, genetic factors, sunburns and cuts. While age is not considered a risk factor, most cases are reported in men below 20 years of age. [RELATED] Mucosal vitiligo develops in orifices such as around the anus and nostrils. When the rectal area is affected, vitiligo can easily spread to the scrotum. Note that vitiligo doesn’t spread like infections do. With vitiligo, there is gradual loss of melanin as the disease spreads. Spots usually are the first to appear which later join to form patches. Vitiligo is among the diseases that do not become dangerous with time. The main complication it can lead to is extreme sensitivity to sunlight. The positioning of scrotum keeps it protected from sunburns. All the same, patients may experience slight inflammation and mild itchiness. If vitiligo on scrotum causes cosmetic problems, treatment can be done to reduce spread, even skin tone or restore pigment. Restoring pigment is much harder. Your doctor will discuss the available treatment options with you. They include use of corticosteroids, light therapy and surgery.Vitiligo on vaginal region pictures, causes and treatments
Vitiligo on vaginal area sometimes appears discretely or by spreading from thighs, groin area or lower abdomen. People do not get vitiligo by having sex with affected partners. The disease does not cause pain, skin dryness or soreness. Mild itchiness may be felt at boundaries of vitiligo patches.
The typical characteristic of vitiligo is formation of white spots or patches. These can remain localized or gradually spread. The latter is more likely.
A person can have vitiligo patches in the vaginal region and on other parts of the body such as arms and legs. This type is known as vitiligo vulgaris. It is also possible to have vitiligo covering more than 50% of the body. This type is known as universal vitiligo.
Having vitiligo in the vaginal region doesn’t predispose a patient to sexually transmitted diseases or infections. In fact, cosmetic issues may be the main problem. People tend to associate the vaginal region with sensitivity of some kind. The presence of white patches of skin can easily send a very wrong message, especially to a sex partner. This can be avoided by discussing the issue beforehand. In any case, vitiligo is just a lack of cells that one can spend a very healthy lifetime without.
The best approach is to control vitiligo in vaginal area from spreading rather than seeking to treat it. If necessary, treatment can still be done. Small or localized spots are the easiest to treat. Medications combined with light therapy are able to restore pigment in 75% of all cases. Large patches may require repeated therapies and medications. Even then, there is no guarantee that patches will disappear for good. If treatments are not effective, your doctor may suggest skin grafting. This involves transplanting normal skin to cover vitiligo affected areas.
How is vitiligo on private areas treated?
Having vitiligo on private areas can be quite embarrassing. In fact, some patients lack the courage to discuss the issue with their doctors. This should not be the case. Vitiligo is the most "innocent" disease one can develop in their genital areas. For one thing, you probably had very little to do with it, unlike diseases like syphilis and herpes. The sensitivity of the genital region poses a major difficulty in vitiligo treatment. Regardless, the following options may be considered: [RELATED] Corticosteroids: Corticosteroids for vitiligo treatment are used to restore lost pigment in mild vitiligo. Treatment should be started early to increase chances of effectiveness. Since they require to be used for a period of time, a professional should direct their use. Patients should be familiar with the potential side effects of using corticosteroids. Lasers and lights boxes: Lasers are more commonly used than light boxes. The main advantage of lasers is that they can be focused on small areas such as vaginal region. They excel in treating small areas and localized spots. Widespread vitiligo is practically not treatable with lasers. Patients are required to sit in light boxes which shine controlled light on most of the affected areas.
PUVA therapy:
PUVA therapy is an improvised form of light therapy. It perhaps is the most commonly used, effective and practical vitiligo treatment. During PUVA therapy, a substance called psoralen is first applied directly or taken by mouth. After that, UVA light is used to stimulate production of more melanocytes. Psoralen is derived from plants and has the ability to restore skin color. UVA light has the same effect that prolonged sun exposure has on the skin.
Skin grafting:
This is quite a crude treatment option but works in 90% or more of all cases. Here, normal skin is transplanted from elsewhere and implanted on the affected areas. After treatment, side effects such as scarring and cobblestone-like skin may occur. This treatment may be suited for vitiligo on back and private areas where scarring is not a major concern.
Micropigmentation:
Since the problem with vitiligo affected areas is lack of melanocytes, micropigmentation addresses the problem by implanting pigment in affected areas. This option is obviously not applicable for widespread vitiligo. In fact, it is commonly used for vitiligo on the lips.
Depigmentation:
Depigmentation is only the easier option when dealing with universal vitiligo skin disorder. Universal vitiligo means that more than 50% of skin pigment has been lost. The easier way to deal with this is getting rid of pigment from other body areas.
Home treatments for vitiligo on private areas
A good number of vitiligo on private parts patients will find it easier to deal with the problem at home. This may not be the best option however. Not getting treated may soon have you dealing with other vitiligo cycles elsewhere in the body. Regardless, below are home treatments that may help: Ginkgo biloba: Taking 40mg of ginkgo biloba vitiligo dose 3 times in a day has been said to reduce progression as well as restore pigment. The herb has been involved in a number of clinical trials but further research is required to confirm its mode of action and effectiveness. [RELATED] Essential oils: Essential oils are popular home remedies used to improve a variety of skin conditions. Good examples that may improve vitiligo signs include black pepper oil, bergamot oil, coconut oil and tea tree oil. Stress management: Stress is a common vitiligo trigger. If you are predisposed to it or have been diagnosed, it is advisable to always keep your stress levels managed. Regular exercises, yoga, massage and talk therapy may help. Proper diet: Some food types may worsen or improve vitiligo. Vitamins C and B-12 combined with folic acid are good choices. Zinc and copper promote a healthy immune system and promote pigment production respectively. Leafy vegetables, wild caught fish, almonds and carrots are examples of foods to consider. Citrus fruits, carbonated beverages, processed and junk foods should all be avoided. Be careful not to leave some important nutrients from your diets in attempt to control vitiligo. A professional or your doctor may be of a lot of help in this case. [post_title] => Vitiligo Skin Disease on the Genital Areas: Penis, Vagina and Scrotum [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => vitiligo-skin-disease-on-the-genital-areas-penis-pussy-and-scrotum [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2018-05-08 01:35:23 [post_modified_gmt] => 2018-05-08 01:35:23 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://skinanswer.com/?p=4919 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [5] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 5293 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2018-04-12 10:34:59 [post_date_gmt] => 2018-04-12 10:34:59 [post_content] => Vitiligo affects about 70 million people globally. It is not a dangerous disease but can result in serious mental distress. In fact, the psychological torment that vitiligo often causes is far worse than its physical tortures. Most people get vitiligo on their hands, legs and face. This happens when melanin stops being produced or very little of it is made. Without melanin, the skin becomes milky-white. Depigmentation begins on small localized areas but often develops into larger patches. See full vitiligo definition for more details. Anyone can get vitiligo regardless of their sex, race or ethnicity. Although age is not a risk factor, most cases begin before 20 and 40 years of age. It is not easy to treat vitiligo but it can be done. Treatment doesn’t necessarily cure the disease but seeks to even skin tone and restore lost pigment. Currently, there is no known cure for vitiligo.Vitiligo on face pictures, causes and treatments
When you have vitiligo on the face, nothing is seriously wrong in you. It is probably some genetic defect, the results of an overactive immune system or effects of stress. The problem is that white patches on the face are very likely to be extremely conspicuous. Bearing in mind that most people may not understand what is going on, a patient can soon become the center of negative attention. This often lowers the patient’s self-esteem. Cases like Krizz Kaliko vitiligo saga can be used a source of inspiration. [RELATED] A vitiligo patch or spot on face is hard to go unnoticed. For this reason, patients often seek medical attention when the disease is still at its early stages. The type that mostly occurs on face is non-segmental vitiligo. It is characterized by the appearance of white skin patches on body areas that mirror each other. Vitiligo on the face usually affects the areas around the eyes, around the lips and cheeks. It may also extend to the neck and chin. Severe cases involve most of or the whole face. Treating a localized vitiligo patch on the face is not very difficult. Medications and some light therapy may be all that is required. Complications set in when dealing with vitiligo on the face near the eyes, in the eyes or on the lips. Most doctors in fact advise patients to focus on controlling the spread rather than treating such cases. Doctors may also try to control an underlying problem thought to be causing vitiligo. This can stop further spread but will not restore lost pigment. For that, treatment with medications and therapies will be required. Other than active treatment approaches, vitiligo on face can be managed with cosmetics and sunscreens. Cosmetics work by concealing the patches while sunscreens protect from sunburns. A professional can help with decision making on the best products to use in this case.Vitiligo eyes causes and treatment
Vitiligo eye symptoms can occur inside the eyes or on the skin surrounding the eyes. The former is harder to treat. When vitiligo develops inside the eyes, it is known as mucosal vitiligo. This is the same type that occurs on orifices such as in rectal area, nostrils and inside the mouth.
Treatments commonly used to treat vitiligo on other body areas are usually not possible options in the case of vitiligo in eyes. For example PUVA is considered the most effective vitiligo treatment. It depends on a combination of psoralen and UVA light to restore pigment. The problem is that psoralen is harmful when exposed to the eyes.
Another limitation when treating vitiligo of the eyes is the fact that the number of melanocytes that occur in mucous membranes is not large. This means that even mild autoimmune disorders can result in loss of most of these cells, causing vitiligo.
If vitiligo near or in the eyes is not spreading, the best way to deal with it is using colored cosmetics to conceal it. That is, as long as it is solely a cosmetic problem. Your doctor may suggest a different treatment approach however. For example, a disease such as diabetes type 1 or thyroid disease may show up during diagnosis. Treatment may be done to manage the disease and in the process keep vitiligo from spreading further.
Vitiligo on lips pictures and treatment
In pictures, vitiligo on the lips is shown to often develop on both lips. The type that affects the lips is sometimes referred to as lip-tip because it shows a tendency to also develop on fingers and toes. Vitiligo skin disorder on the lips is one of the hardest types to treat. The commonly used methods are micropigmentation and camouflage. Micropigmentation involves implanting pigment into the affected lips. The main drawback is that even skin tone may not be achieved perfectly. Also, trauma produced during the implantation process may trigger other vitiligo cycles. Camouflaging involves use of cosmetics to conceal the effects of vitiligo. A professional can be approached to help come up with the best vitiligo makeup. [RELATED] A doctor is most likely going to advise that you focus your efforts on keeping the vitiligo under control rather than curing it. This can be done in a variety of ways, including with home treatments.Vitiligo on legs causes and treatments
Vitiligo on the legs can appear anywhere, including on bony areas like the knees and ankles. Both segmental and non-segmental vitiligo types can occur on the legs.
If signs of mild vitiligo are confined to small areas or individual spots, patients have higher chances of effective treatment. This cannot be said about large patches, especially ones showing signs of rapid spread.
Light therapies and medications like corticosteroids can be used to restore color to vitiligo affected areas on legs. The success rate depends on how severely affected the legs are.
Vitiligo on bony areas such as ankles, toes and knees is better controlled than treated. These areas rarely regain lost pigment.
Vitiligo on arms causes and treatments
Vitiligo on the arms often appears on upper side of hands and forearms but can also occur even on the shoulder. It can be genetic or caused by an autoimmune activity. Stress is a common trigger for vitiligo on hands. People with localized patches or spots respond very well to treatment. In fact, pigment may be regained with light therapy and corticosteroids. Large and symmetrical patches are harder to treat. It is not uncommon to see vitiligo on elbows. In this case, treatment is mostly done to keep it from spreading. Complete depigmentation is hard to achieve in such areas.Vitiligo on back causes and treatments
Vitiligo on the back is not as distressing as on face or hands. The problem is that it can keep spreading to other more noticeable areas.
It is only after diagnosis that the actual cause can be predicted. Vitiligo wood's lamp is often used to rule out other skin conditions that may be causing loss of pigment. In most cases, vitiligo has something to do with genetic predisposition or autoimmune activity. Blood tests and biopsies are used to confirm or rule out such causes.
Your doctor will suggest several treatments that may be used to treat vitiligo on the back. If not interested in gaining back lost pigment, ways to keep white spots from spreading will be suggested.
Vitiligo hair effects and pictures
How does vitiligo affect hair? People with vitiligo can have normal colored, grey or white hair. As said before, vitiligo develops when melanocytes are not present to produce melanin. This is mostly as a result of overactive immune cells that attack healthy melanocytes. Sometimes, only the melanocytes in the epidermis are destroyed. This is especially common in the early stages of vitiligo. Since the melanocytes that give pigment to hair are located in the follicles, hair will continue to be normal colored even when growing on vitiligo affected areas. [RELATED] Long-term vitiligo may lead to immature graying or whitening of hair. This occurs when melanocytes in follicles are also destroyed. It’s likely that there will be signs of other autoimmune diseases by the time this happens. For example, being thirsty and frequent urge to pass urine are signs of diabetes. Sluggishness and extreme fatigue are signs of thyroid disease. Managing such diseases may keep vitiligo from spreading. In rare cases, vitiligo hair signs will appear before the skin loses pigment. It has been found that immature melanocytes are present in hair follicles alongside the mature ones. One implication of this fact is that surgery can be done to restore melanocytes and as a result regain lost pigment.Conventional treatments for vitiligo
Vitiligo is yet to be fully understood. When that happens, it is hoped that better treatment methods will be available. Currently, conventional vitiligo treatment is done with: Medications Corticosteroids are the primary medications used to treat vitiligo. They work by restoring skin pigment. Best results are achieved when treatment is started early. To improve results, light therapy is often used alongside. Corticosteroids come in form of creams to be applied directly. Caution should be taken when using them for vitiligo in children due to side effects such as skin thinning. Light therapies For small areas and localized spots, lasers can be used to stimulate melanin production. Widespread vitiligo on the other hand requires use of light boxes. The more common and effective form of light therapy is PUVA. Here, psoralen and UVA light are used to restore pigment. Psoralen is taken by mouth or applied directly. Afterwards, UVA light is used to promote production of melanocytes. This treatment has a success rate of about 75%. However, some of the regained pigment may disappear after few years, especially if the cause of vitiligo is not addressed. Surgery Surgery is considered when other treatments have failed. It involves transplanting melanocytes from healthy areas to affected areas. Different forms and ways to carry out surgery for vitiligo treatment are applicable depending on a number of factors. It has a success rate of more than 90%. Main drawback is the fact that the patient may have to deal with scarring or cobblestone-like skin. There also is no guarantee that it will work. Home treatments A number of home treatments for vitiligo have been suggested over the years. Most of them lack enough clinical trials and therefore cannot be prescribed for treatment. They however may improve vitiligo signs in one way or another. [RELATED] Ginkgo biloba and vitamins C&B-12 are perhaps the most common examples. Gingko biloba has been involved in a number of clinical trials. Reports suggested that it may restore skin pigment. There are other vitamins for vitiligo and minerals that may be of help. For example, zinc helps keep the immune system healthy. This can reduce cases of autoimmune activities. Copper on the other hand stimulates production of melanocytes. In fact, Ayurveda medicine recommends keeping drinking water in copper containers for 24 hours before drinking to increase copper levels in the body. Other home treatments include managing stress, choosing the right diet and taking care of the skin. Your doctor or a professional may help in this case. [post_title] => Body Parts Affected by Vitiligo: Face, Hair, Hands, Legs and Back [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => body-parts-affected-by-vitiligo-face-hair-hands-legs-and-back [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2018-05-08 01:29:39 [post_modified_gmt] => 2018-05-08 01:29:39 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://skinanswer.com/?p=4917 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [6] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 5287 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2018-04-12 10:34:49 [post_date_gmt] => 2018-04-12 10:34:49 [post_content] => About 2 percent of the world’s population is affected by vitiligo. This is a disease caused by lack of melanin producing cells, or melanocytes, in certain areas of the skin. Melanocytes are the cells that give color to skin, eyes and hair. When they stop functioning properly or get destroyed, white patches appear. Vitiligo is then said to have developed. Vitiligo is not painful but appears so. It often appears before the age of 20 and sometimes before the age of 40. The incidence rate in older people is very low. Areas affected by vitiligo are more sensitive to the sun. The face, arms, lips and hands are commonly affected. There is no cure for vitiligo. Luckily, the disease is not dangerous. It however can cause stress and other psychological problems. Available treatment options seek to restore color to affected areas. This doesn’t keep the disease from spreading or recurring.What is vitiligo; definition, pictures, types and facts
Vitiligo is pronounced as (vit-ill-EYE-go). If melanocytes were to be removed from the skin, it would appear pale and white. This is what happens with vitiligo. Some internal or external factors can lead to destruction of melanocytes or their ability to produce melanin. In most vitiligo definitions, the disease is described as being autoimmune. This is where immune cells mistakenly attack healthy cells in the body. Vitiligo mostly occurs on the skin but can also affect inside the mouth or in the hair roots. Affected hair turns white or grey. [RELATED] Types There are two identifiable types of vitiligo: Segmental vitiligo – this type is more common in children but less common during later stages of development. It also referred to as localized vitiligo because it occurs on one area of the skin or body. Non-segmental vitiligo - this type is also called generalized vitiligo. It develops symmetrically on paired body parts such as hands, arms, and around eyes. It is the most common type of vitiligo. Several subtypes of non-segmental vitiligo exist for specification:- Acrofacial – this subtype mostly affects fingers and toes. Signs appear on the upper side of affected fingers or toes.
- Focal – it is characterized by localized white patch or patches.
- Generalized – this is the type of vitiligo that affects most people. There is no defined boundary to the affected areas.
- Mucosal – as the name suggests, it appears on mucous membranes such as inside mouth. This is also the type seen on lips.
- Universal – in this rare case, loss of pigment occurs almost all over the body.
- White patches and depigmentation are the main signs of vitiligo. They can occur anywhere on skin and sometimes mucosal membranes or hair.
- Race, gender, sex and age are not considered predisposing factors. Anyone can get affected by vitiligo.
- The disease is not contagious. This means that it cannot be passed from one person to another such as during skin to skin contact. However, the disease may occur in different body areas, spread or recur.
- Experts are not sure what causes vitiligo. It is thought to be an autoimmune condition or caused by a virus. It may also run in families.
- Having vitiligo doesn’t indicate any serious health problem. In fact, patients lead normal healthy lives apart from the fact that affected areas are more prone to sunburns.
- Treatment may reduce severity of the disease but will most likely not completely cure it. There is no known way to prevent the disease.
- How fast does vitiligo spread? It is quite difficult to guess the long it will take for vitiligo to spread. For some people, patches take years to be big enough to cause concern. Spread and progress is very fast in other cases. But it is not always that vitiligo will spread.
Vitiligo causes and risk factors
It is known that vitiligo occurs when melanocytes die or lose the ability to produce pigment. Why this happens is only vaguely understood. Rather than vitiligo causes, let’s look at its risk factors:
Autoimmune disorders
Normally, immune cells identify and fight off invading pathogens. The immune system sometimes becomes overactive and ends up destroying some healthy cells. There are many autoimmune conditions which may include vitiligo. Vitiligo caused by autoimmune disorders is associated with thyroid disease.
Family history
In some cases, vitiligo is observed to be running in families. This is not always the case. Having a close family member with vitiligo doesn’t necessarily mean you will have it.
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Damage to melanocytes
Melanocytes can for example be damaged by extreme sunburn or large wounds. Being exposed to some chemicals may also trigger vitiligo.
Stress
Stressful events such as childbirth can trigger vitiligo in people who already are predisposed.
Age is not considered a risk factor. However, most people develop vitiligo prior to or around the age of 20 years.
Vitiligo signs and symptoms
White patchy skin discoloration is the main sign of vitiligo. It is more noticeable in dark skinned people but doesn’t mean it is more severe. The signs often begin in body areas exposed to sun such as on upper side of hands, arms, face, lips and feet. At first, a pale spot appears which then becomes white before spreading to adjacent areas.
In some people, individual spots form but do not spread. In others, the spots spread, join and develop into large patches. This is how vitiligo spreads. The center where first signs appeared may be whiter than the areas near borders. Sometimes, blood vessels will make affected areas appear pinkish.
Vitiligo doesn’t cause common discomforts caused by skin conditions such as dryness and flaking or scaling. The edges may sometimes be itchy, slightly inflamed or with brown discoloration. Coconut oil for vitiligo can be used to reduce itchiness. Signs may appear on:
- around eyes
- lips
- mouth
- nose
- neck
- armpit
- arms
- elbows
- back of hands
- genital region such as vitiligo scrotum symptoms
- groin region
- knees
- on top of feet
Vitiligo diagnosis and treatment
Diagnosis: Diagnosis is done by examining the patient and analyzing their medical history. The patient will be asked whether there is a history of vitiligo in their family, whether they have recently been injured or sunburned and whether they have a history of autoimmune conditions. [RELATED] Other related questions may also be asked. The main aim is to rule out other skin conditions such as pityriasis versicolor. A special type of lamp may be used to closely examine the affected skin. To confirm diagnosis, the following tests may be done:- Blood test – blood test is done to check whether vitiligo is being caused by another autoimmune disease like diabetes. Signs of diabetes include being thirst and frequent urination.
- Biopsy – a small sample tissue may be taken to check for presence of pathogens such as fungi and viruses. This will not only confirm vitiligo but may also identify its cause.
Vitiligo is not dangerous. Regardless, it goes beyond being a mere cosmetic problem. Although there is no known vitiligo cure, many treatment options are available and in fact encouraged. Restoring or evening skin color is the main aim of most of the available options. This comes with the disadvantage that the disease will largely remain untreated. Your doctor may therefore choose to go with drugs or therapies. The main disadvantage with this option is that effects take long to occur. Vitiligo treatment may be done with:
- Corticosteroids – these are medications used to reduce inflammation and other symptoms such as itchiness. They mostly come in creams that are to be applied directly. Corticosteroids may help prevent skin color loss especially in early stages of vitiligo. Consult your doctor before using these medications especially for treating vitiligo baby cases.
- Light therapy – UV light is often used to promote skin healthy as well as pigmentation. In vitiligo treatment, light therapy is mostly used together with psoralen. This is a substance derived from plants that promotes skin coloration. Psoralen can be taken orally or applied directly. Using these treatments together is seen to have better results especially for mild vitiligo.
- Immunosuppressants – overactive immune system can be made mild with ointments containing calcineurin inhibitors. This treatment is not ideal for widespread vitiligo but may be effective for vitiligo on the lips, for example. The problem with immune suppressing drugs is that they may encourage other diseases to develop. Check with your doctor before using such ointments for vitiligo treatment.
- Skin grafting – skin grafting involves transplanting healthy skin from elsewhere in the body to affected areas. This requires surgery and therefore only applicable for small patches. Surgeries should be done in hospitals, mainly to reduce risk of infection. There is no guarantee that skin grafting will bring the desired results.
- Micropigmentation – here, pigment is directly implanted into affected areas. It may not be applicable for large vitiligo patches. The problem is that the process of implanting pigment may be stressful enough to trigger other vitiligo patches. Implanting the right amount of pigment to match adjacent areas is also hard. If you are at risk of developing vitiligo, it is a good idea to avoid stressful activities such as getting your skin tattooed. Such activities can trigger vitiligo.
- Depigmentation – when more than half the body is affected by vitiligo, one option is to reduce pigment in healthy areas to match the white patches. This is done with topical ointments and lotions over a period of about 1 year. Sammy Sosa vitiligo saga is a good example. Since the effects will be permanent, patients have to keep away from long exposure to sun.
- Sunscreens – vitiligo affected body areas are extremely sensitive to sun. Melanocytes among other things protect the skin from harmful sun rays. In their absence, even small doses of UV radiation can lead to severe sunburns. Sunscreens help protect the skin from sun damage.
- Camouflage – makeup and cosmetic creams may succeed in camouflaging vitiligo patches. Settling on the best vitiligo makeup combination for your skin features may take some time.
Vitiligo types and facts
Types There are two identifiable types of vitiligo:- Segmental – this type affects only one segment of the body. For example, loss of skin color may occur on the left eyebrow and stop at that. It is common in babies, where patches form, spread a bit and stop.
- Non-segmental – this is the most common type. Its main feature is symmetrical appearance of vitiligo signs. For example, if the left hand is affected, the right hand too will be affected. It is subdivided to other categories such as universal, mucosal and acrofacial vitiligo. Universal vitiligo a rare subtype where signs occur almost all over the body. Mucosal and acrofacial vitiligo develop on mucous membranes and finger/toes respectively. Non-segmental vitiligo will in most cases spread and trigger new cycles.
- Vitiligo is life-altering but not life-threatening. Although not dangerous, it goes beyond being a mere cosmetic problem.
- Statistics show that 1-2 percent of world population is affected. 30% of this is in children. Age, sex, and ethnicity are not considered risk factors. Most cases however begin prior to age of 20 and 40 years.
- Vitiligo is not contagious. Patients should not be isolated or discriminated. Touching a vitiligo-affected areas doesn’t cause pain to the patient.
- It is not known exactly what causes vitiligo. The disease is thought to be autoimmune or caused by a virus.
- There is no known cure for vitiligo. Options to manage the condition are available. Ongoing research may introduce more effective treatments in the future.
Vitiligo first signs and symptoms
First signs often appear on areas such as arms, lips and skin around eyes. They however can occur anywhere in the body. White patches caused by loss of skin color are usually the first to show up. In some people, it starts with a localized spot which then develops into a patch.
Depending on the type, the initial patch or spot may spread or join with other patches. This is how it starts to spread.
Affected areas have no defined borders. The center may be whiter than the edges. Blood vessels might give a pinkish appearance to the edges. Discoloration may also be present.
Unlike some skin conditions, vitiligo is not associated with skin dryness or scaling. There may be episodes of itchiness and mild inflammation.
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When vitiligo affects hair roots, the hair becomes grey or white. Loss of color can also be experienced in the eyes and mucous membranes such as in the mouth.
Areas affected by vitiligo lack melanin. As a result, they become extremely sensitive to sun. Patients can develop agonizing sunburns even after being exposed to sun for a short period of time. Generally, signs can appear on:
- Eyes
- Skin around eyes
- Nose
- Lips
- Inside mouth
- Neck
- Armpit
- Arms
- Elbows
- Back of hands
- Navel
- Groin region
- Genital region
- Rectal area
- Knees
- On top of feet
What causes vitiligo?
Once vitiligo develops, it is very unlikely that it will disappear. One percent of world population may sound like a small number but actually translates to about 70 million people. Nearly half of these people develop vitiligo before their 20th birthday. But what causes the vitiligo skin disorder?
Much of what is known about vitiligo causes is that the disease develops when melanocytes are not present or are unable to make melanin. What triggers this disorder is not exactly known.
Vitiligo is mostly identified as an autoimmune disease. Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system becomes overactive and attacks healthy cells. People diagnosed with diabetes, thyroid disease (Hashimoto’s disease) and anemia may be at higher risk of developing vitiligo.
Certain factors make it more likely that vitiligo will develop in some people. They include:
- Family history – vitiligo tends to run in families. If a close family member has been diagnosed with vitiligo or another autoimmune disease, it may be likely that other members from that family will develop vitiligo. So is vitiligo hereditary? Not necessarily. With genetically predisposed diseases, there is no guarantee that siblings will inherit them from parents.
- Sunburns and cuts – sunburns and cuts may destroy melanocytes. They can also trigger predisposed vitiligo.
- Stressful events – stressful events trigger vitiligo cycles. Examples include childbirth and getting a tattoo. Mental stress may also trigger the disease.
Vitiligo and lupus
The similarity between vitiligo and lupus ends at the fact that both are autoimmune diseases. Having either is not likely to trigger the other. Lupus can be confined to the skin or occur systematically. It is a life-threatening disease characterized by widespread inflammation. The fact that lupus is life-threatening is opposite of vitiligo. When confined to the skin, signs such inflammation are only present on the skin. The more dangerous type involves different parts of the body including vital organs like the heart and lungs. First signs include rash, pain in joints and fatigue. [RELATED] It has been noted that vitiligo often occurs in people diagnosed with other autoimmune disorders such as pernicious anemia and thyroid disease. Thyroid disease is also often found in people with lupus. Regardless, lupus and vitiligo are not closely related.Vitiligo diagnosis and treatment
Diagnosis:
Diagnosis is done by physically examining the patient for typical vitiligo symptoms. This may be done under special lighting. The patient will be required to provide their medical history details such as whether they are related to a person with vitiligo.
To rule out other skin conditions such as caused by fungi and viruses, the doctor may take skin biopsy. Blood tests can also be taken to check for signs of autoimmune diseases such as diabetes.
Treatment:
Treatment is mainly done to even skin tone or restore skin color. These are no easy tasks. They can be done with:
- Topical corticosteroids – these come in form of creams to be applied directly on affected areas. When treatment is started early, they may add some skin color. Results are often improved with other treatments. Vitiligo on face and in dark skinned people responds well to this treatment. Patients are encouraged to check with their doctors in the course of treatment. This mostly because corticosteroids come with a number of side effects such as skin thinness. Extra caution should be taken when using corticosteroids to treat vitiligo in children.
- Medications to suppress immunity – if vitiligo is being caused by overactive immune system, it can be treated with immunosuppressants. The main drawback is that such medications may encourage other diseases such as cancer.
- Use of light – light boxes or lasers is used in this case. If vitiligo is widespread, the patient sits in a light box and receives controlled dosages of light. Lasers are used for localized or small areas such as vitiligo on lips. Patients are required to go for appointments twice or thrice a week. While vitiligo laser treatment works in most patients, restored skin color often disappears after a few years.
- PUVA light therapy – in this case, UVA light and a plant-derived substance called psoralen are used. Psoralen can be taken by mouth or applied directly. This treatment works for localized and widespread vitiligo. It requires weekly appointments for a period of about 1 year. It is quite effective. Psoralen can cause harm when exposed to the eyes.
- Skin grafting – this involves removing colored skin from healthy body areas and using it to cover vitiligo affected areas. It is considered when other less crude methods have failed. The treatment is effective in about 90% of all cases. Main disadvantages include scarring, possibility of infection and cobblestone skin.
- Micropigmentation – this involves direct implantation of pigment to affected areas. It is ideal for vitiligo on lips and in dark skinned people. The main disadvantages include failure to get skin tone consistency right and risk of triggering other vitiligo cycles.
- Depigmentation – when vitiligo affects more than 50% of the body, some patients opt for depigmentation. This is where pigment is removed from unaffected areas to match the white areas. After the treatment, patients are left with completely white skin. The treatment can run a course of up to 4 years. Patients become very sensitive to sun after this treatment. Occasionally, spots of pigment appear which can be removed with creams.
Vitiligo treatment at home and prevention
Ginkgo biloba vitiligo treatment is touted as an effective option. Enough evidence to fully support this claim is however lacking. In some clinical trials, the herb has been observed to restore skin color as well as prevent further loss of pigment. Vitamins such as vitamin C and B-12 are also said to be of help in vitiligo treatment. These are nicknamed vitamins for vitiligo. Such claims have also been produced for some enzymes and minerals. Currently, there is no officially accepted home remedy for vitiligo treatment. Sunscreens and colored cosmetics may help with prevention and concealing. Sunscreens keep affected areas from suffering severe sunburn. Extreme sunburns can destroy melanocytes and aggravate vitiligo. Colored cosmetics work by evening skin tone to conceal vitiligo. It requires patience to get the best concealer for vitiligo. [RELATED] Vitiligo does more harm emotionally than physically. This can be improved by getting the right doctor, learning more about the disease and connecting with other patients. Possible complications: Vitiligo is not among the diseases that worsen with time. While the disease may keep spreading to adjacent areas or recur, it is very unlikely to cause other health complications. The main possible complication is severe sunburn. Melanin not only gives color to the skin but also protects from UV radiation. In its absence, the skin is particularly prone to sun burns even after being exposed for not long. This can be prevented with sunscreens. Another possible complication is emotional distress. White patches on skin are not a common phenomenon. In fact, support therapy is as important as physical vitiligo treatment. Finding the right doctor can be very helpful in this regard. Anyone can get vitiligo, the same way a person with vitiligo can be as productive as anyone else. Inspiration can be sourced from cases of celebrities with vitiligo such as the Jon Hamm vitiligo case. [post_title] => Vitiligo: Signs, Symptoms, Cure, Treatment, Prevention with Pictures [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => vitiligo-signs-symptoms-cure-treatment-prevention-with-pictures [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2019-04-07 16:00:45 [post_modified_gmt] => 2019-04-07 16:00:45 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://skinanswer.com/?p=4902 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [8] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 5289 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2018-04-12 10:11:29 [post_date_gmt] => 2018-04-12 10:11:29 [post_content] => It is estimated that about 2% of children below the age of 20 years have vitiligo skin disorder. Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease caused by absence or inability of melanocytes. This results in milky or white skin patches. Melanocytes make melanin. This is the substance that gives color to the skin, eyes and hair. Among other things, melanin protects from UV radiation. Vitiligo patients are therefore particularly predisposed to severe sunburns. Vitiligo in children doesn’t cause any major health problems. In fact, more damage is done psychologically than physically. Focal vitiligo is the more common type than other types of vitiligo in children and babies. There is no known cure for vitiligo. Treatment options are available to manage the condition by evening skin tone and restoring skin color. Since vitiligo is a consequent disease, a therapeutic treatment approach is usually adopted. This requires professional help.What causes vitiligo in children?
The widely accepted theory is that vitiligo is an autoimmune disease. Autoimmune diseases occur when immune cells mistakenly attack healthy cells, melanocytes in this case. Genetic predisposition is also thought to play a big role in development of vitiligo in toddlers and children. It is for this reason that vitiligo patients may also be diagnosed with diseases such as Hashimoto’s disease, diabetes type 1, and alopecia. Being born of parents diagnosed with above named diseases is also a risk factor. [RELATED] Vitiligo cycles are sometimes triggered by stressful events. For example, vitiligo in toddlers can develop after a complicated delivery or surgical operations. Sunburns and cuts may also trigger the disease, especially when severe. Currently, the exact cause of vitiligo remains unknown. Some experts also suggest that vitiligo cycles can be triggered by a virus. Other possible causes include illnesses of the urinary system, nervous system disorders and some vitamin deficiency. Babies or children with vitiligo do not pass it to others or get it from their parents during direct skin to skin contact. It, however, often shows a tendency to spread to adjacent areas and form larger white patches.Types, Signs and symptoms of vitiligo in kids
Signs and symptoms:
Vitiligo baby cases are not as common as in children. Most kids are affected after their third birthday. It often starts with a spot, about 2-5mm in diameter. There usually are no clearly marked boundaries as to where the spot reaches. If other spots have formed nearby, they may spread and join to form larger patches.
It is not uncommon for vitiligo patches to appear pinkish at the boundaries. See vitiligo pictures for illustrations. This is caused by the presence of blood vessels. Although vitiligo doesn’t cause skin dryness or scaling, affected areas may be slightly inflamed and occasionally become itchy. These symptoms are however mild.
Vitiligo symptoms may be accompanied by signs of one of the autoimmune diseases named earlier. Diabetes is, for example, characterized by the frequent urge to urinate and being thirsty. Signs of thyroid disease include fatigue, sluggishness and being more sensitive to cold. Symptoms of alopecia include patchy hair loss on scalp and eyebrows.
Types:
Vitiligo is divided into two categories: non-segmental and segmental vitiligo. Segmental vitiligo is the rarer type but fairly common in kids. It is presents as spots on a certain body part. Non-segmental accounts for most vitiligo cases even in children. Here, patients develop symptoms on body parts that mirror one another. Vitiligo in kids can also be focal. This presents as a few spots on a localized body area.
Body parts exposed to sun are mostly affected. Regardless, vitiligo can show up on any part of the skin, in the eyes or inside the mouth. Commonly affected areas include:
- Face
- Lips
- Skin around eyes
- Nose
- Upper side of hands
- Elbows
- Arms
- Groin
- Genital region
- Navel
Diagnosis for vitiligo in kids
How is vitiligo in kids diagnosed? In most cases, a physical examination is all that is required. Special lighting with a Woods lamp may be used especially for light skinned kids. The doctor will need to know more about the kid’s medical history, especially regarding previous diagnoses with autoimmune diseases. The doctor should also be informed of any cases of autoimmune disorders in the family and recent cases of trauma such as sunburns. Thyroid disorders or diabetes often require blood tests. Rarely, a small sample tissue of affected skin will be taken to be examined in the lab. This helps rule out other possible causes of skin color loss such as fungal infections.How is vitiligo in kids treated?
Although not dangerous, vitiligo is among the harder diseases to get rid of. There in fact is no known cure for the disease. Below are commonly used options:
Corticosteroids:
Corticosteroids for vitiligo come in the form of creams to be applied directly. When treatment is started early, much of lost skin color may be restored. There are other forms of creams that may have a similar effect but corticosteroids are more commonly used. A doctor should be consulted before using these medications in kids. This is because they also bring side effects such as skin thinning.
Light therapy:
In this case, either lasers or light boxes are used. Lasers are effective when only small areas are involved. Light boxes are more ideal for widespread vitiligo. The idea is to promote skin rejuvenation with light. Restored skin color may disappear after few years.
PUVA therapy:
PUVA therapy is a combination of psoralen and UVA light. Psoralen is a substance derived from plants and used to restore skin color. It can be taken by mouth or applied directly. Once given, UVA light is controllably shone on the affected areas. This turns the skin pink, which then gradually turns into normal skin color. Psoralen is harmful when exposed to eyes.
Skin grafting:
Skin grafting involves taking healthy skin from elsewhere in the body and using it to cover vitiligo-affected areas. This treatment is very effective. The problem is that scarring, cobblestone-like skin and failure to work are all possible outcomes.
[RELATED]
Micropigmentation:
Here, pigment is implanted into affected areas. The process is somehow similar getting a tattoo. Its main drawback is that it can be stressful enough to trigger other vitiligo cycles.
Depigmentation:
This is rarely considered for kids. When vitiligo has affected more than 50% of the body, one option is to remove pigment from unaffected areas so that they match with the white areas. The whole process is fairly slow. It can take up to 4 years.
Home treatments and prevention
Use of sunscreens:
Sunscreens help prevent from getting severe sunburns. Sunburns are not only agonizing but can also cause skin cancer. With melanin absent in some areas, sun poisoning is very likely without sunscreen. Sunscreen requires daily application and in some cases more than once a day. For example, it wears out faster on face than on arms.
Colored cosmetics:
The goal of cosmetics in managing vitiligo is not to add skin color or even skin tone. It is to conceal the white parts. It may take time before you come up with the right makeup to cover vitiligo. A doctor can help in this case.
Herbs and vitamins:
Ginkgo biloba has been said to be effective in restoring skin color in vitiligo patients. Enough scientific data is not available to explain and support this claim. The so-called vitamins for vitiligo may encourage normal skin healing and in the process restore skin tone. Like other unofficial treatment methods, check with your doctor before using home treatments to cure vitiligo.
Possible complications:
Vitiligo doesn’t lead to serious health complications even when left untreated. The much that may happen is widespread skin color loss. This particularly predisposes patients to sunburns.
[RELATED]
The main, often unseen vitiligo complication is emotional upset and distress. Kids are yet to understand why some things may happen to them and not to everyone else. In the case of vitiligo, this feeling can be very distressing. Parents have the responsibility of supporting their kids by making them understand that they are just like everyone else. This can be achieved by finding a doctor who knows a lot about vitiligo, researching about the condition yourself and seeking available treatments.
Inspiration can be sourced from cases such as Winnie Harlow vitiligo. She is a celebrity, and a model for that matter, despite the fact that her facial skin is affected by vitiligo. In fact, there are a lot more famous and successful people who have been diagnosed with vitiligo.
[post_title] => Vitiligo in Kids and Toddlers: Genetic Transmission, Segmental and Focal
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[post_content] => Vitiligo is a disease caused by the inability of melanocytes to make melanin or loss of these pigment-producing cells. Melanin is the substance that makes your skin, hair and eyes look the way they do. Without it, the skin would be all pale and mostly white. This is what happens in the case of vitiligo.
It is not known exactly what causes vitiligo. Experts think it has something to do with the immune system becoming overactive and attacking healthy melanocytes. Some cases appear to be genetic, since the incidence rate in people with diabetes type 1 and Hashimoto’s thyroid disease is higher. Sunburns, cuts and stress are considered risk factors.
The first signs present as discolored spots on the skin. When more than one spot occurs, they may spread and join together to form large patches. Unfortunately, there is no way of telling if vitiligo will spread or not. There also is no known way to stop the spread. In fact, available treatment options seek to even out the skin tone or restore skin color.
The good thing is that vitiligo is not one of those diseases that lead to severe health complications when advanced. A number of celebrities who have been diagnosed with this disease are living testimonies. This article takes a look at some celebrities with vitiligo.
Michael Jackson vitiligo
It is almost impossible to talk about celebs with vitiligo and not mention this guy. In any case, Michael Jackson is to many unforgettable. He was the "King of Pop," who passed away in 2009. Throughout his music and artistry career, MJ received more awards than most would know what to do with. [RELATED] It was during an interview with Oprah that Michael Jackson perhaps first publicly addressed the rumors that he had vitiligo. Before that, other rumors had been circulating that MJ had actually used skin lightening products and surgeries to make himself look white.
Vitiligo can be a very distressing disease. This is even more so with people who have to occasionally appear on camera. One method used to treat vitiligo is depigmentation. This involves removing pigment on healthy body parts so that they can match the white patches caused by vitiligo. Within about 12 months, a patient can have all white skin, which makes it impossible to notice vitiligo signs. Benoquin is the medication used for this treatment. It comes in the form of cream to be applied directly.
Much evidence is available to confirm Michael Jackson's vitiligo case. It is not clear if his transformation from being black skinned to being completely white skinned had something to do with it or not. The most important thing to note is that being a vitiligo patient didn’t keep MJ from becoming the celebrity he was: a man whose songs echoed from America to Europe to Asia, Africa, and basically everywhere.
Prince Jackson vitiligo
If your dad or mom has diabetes type 1, it is more likely that you will have the same disease than if you were born of "healthy" parents. It is the same case with vitiligo. The suspicions that Prince Jackson, the eldest son of Michael Jackson, may have vitiligo should not catch us by surprise.
It was in photos that a patch of depigmented skin on Prince’s underarm was seen. A single patch on the skin is, however, not enough to positively diagnose vitiligo, especially in this case, where it appears in a photo.
It is important to note that Prince Jackson's vitiligo remains a speculation. With about 30% of all vitiligo cases running in families, having a close family member with vitiligo, in this case a father, is quite a strong predisposing factor.
Winnie Harlow vitiligo
If I was to pick my most admired celebrity with vitiligo, I would go with Winnie Harlow. She is a top black model and has vitiligo on her face! Modeling is, to most of us who aren't in the industry, about some flawless women showing off the perfection of creation. That wouldn’t be the place for a vitiligo patient. Would it?
Apparently, human judgment can be quite primitive when uneducated. Winnie Harlow's vitiligo saga has shown that vitiligo is not something we even should notice. It is like walking into a room filled with people from all over the world, like a UN summit for example. The same way all these people will be differently colored, clothed and so on should not be a center of attention or a factor to base your judgment on.
Winnie Harlow poses in all types of modeling photos and is not afraid to share them with the world. In fact, other people with skin conditions are embracing public life with inspiration from Winnie’s amazing, enlightening acts. The best gift we can give is to celebrate the model that Winnie is, and forget all the fuss about her having vitiligo.
Tamar Braxton vitiligo
When you live in a society, in any normal society, expect to be judged far more than you will be appreciated. In fact, you, in some cases, have to use methods that some may consider not genteel, just to get respect. [RELATED] Tamar Braxton's vitiligo brought her into speculations that she was using skin lightening products. Probably having dealt with emotional distress that most vitiligo patients have to deal with, Tamar made it clear that she wasn’t using bleaching products. She had been diagnosed with vitiligo. But like many success stories, Tamar has found it more comfortable opening to the world. She doesn’t find her vitiligo issue a subject rich enough to give life to a conversation.Other celebrities with vitiligo
Jon Hamm: If you don’t know about Mad Men, it is a popular AMC series. One of the main actors that took part in making of the series is Jon Hamm. In 2008, Hamm took home a Golden Globe award for the part he played in the series. Jon has vitiligo on his hands. It is most likely that it was triggered by stress, something that Jon acknowledges that he had after he got his acting role in the AMC series. Stressful events and trauma can trigger autoimmune vitiligo. Jon Hamm's vitiligo has, however, not kept him from becoming a successful actor. With the right concealers, most people do not even notice the vitiligo symptoms on his hands. Sammy Sosa: If you are a baseball fan, you may be familiar with Sammy Sosa. He was brown skinned about 9 years ago but is currently white. Any case of Sammy Sosa vitiligo has not been reported. Sammy associates the skin lightening effects with a cream he used for a long time, and bright TV lights. Terrence J: Terrence J is a TV personality. He has openly spoken about his vitiligo skin disorder. Much can be learnt from the way Terrence handled his diagnosis. It came at a time he was struggling to take his career to the top. According to him, a trip to Haiti and some giving back to society played a major role in the composure with which he deals with his vitiligo issue. Krizz Kaliko: Krizz Kaliko's vitiligo case gave to the world an album titled ‘Vitiligo’. When he was diagnosed with vitiligo, Krizz was stigmatized, as suggested in the album. He later learned more about the disease and got the moral support he required to face it and open up to the world. Joe Rogan: Joe Rogan is an actor and presenter. Due to his naturally white skin, Joe Rogan's vitiligo on his hands is not easily noticeable.What is vitiligo?
You may have never heard of this disease. It is also likely that you have seen but did not recognize it. Vitiligo is a disease that affects the skin but can also develop in eyes and mucous membranes. It results from absence of melanin. The epidermis, which is the uppermost skin layer, contains cells known as melanocytes. It is these cells that produce melanin. Among other things, melanin protects from sun poisoning. This is why melanoma skin cancer is more common in fair skinned people, because they have less melanin. [RELATED] Lack of melanin can result from autoimmune disorders. Hashimoto’s thyroid disease and diabetes type 1 are good example. These diseases tend to run in families. Stressful events, trauma, cuts and sunburns do not necessarily cause vitiligo but can trigger cycles. This includes mental stress, childbirth and activities such as getting a tattoo. It may be interesting to know that vitiligo dog or cat cases are also possible.How to identify it
Famous people are occasionally in pictures that sometimes gain worldwide recognition. For them, hiding a condition like vitiligo is fairly hard. But why hide it in the first place? As far as science and logic is concerned, a certain vitiligo patient may be working on the next theory of relativity or putting together lines of codes that will give us the next Windows OS. The condition makes no material difference in the person. Vitiligo starts with a spot and later develops into a patch. A type known as non-segmental is most common. Here, symptoms appear in body areas that mirror each other. A good example is vitiligo on arms or hands. It also can be segmental, where a discrete body area is affected. People affected by vitiligo do not pass it to others during direct skin to skin contact. It also doesn’t cause problems associated with common skin conditions like dryness and pain. It however is not uncommon for affected areas to be slightly itchy or mildly inflamed.How is it treated?
Vitiligo rarely goes away on its own and its patches are almost eternal without treatment. In fact, only vitiligo in children is likely to go away. Corticosteroids are commonly used to treat the condition. They come in form of vitiligo cream to be applied directly. The medications work by restoring color to the skin. It is common for corticosteroids to be used along with light therapy for better results. Another major treatment option is use of light therapy. This can be done in a variety of ways. For small areas such as vitiligo on lips, lasers may be used. Widespread vitiligo is treated with light boxes. For better results, PUVA light therapy is used. This is a combination of a substance known as psoralen and UVA light. It is more effective than light alone. Restored skin color may disappear some time in the future. Treatment can also be done by manipulating pigment. For example, a special tool can be used to implant pigment into affected areas. This is known as micropigmentation for vitiligo. The problem is that the process of implanting pigment can trigger other cycles. If most of the body is affected, pigment can be removed from rest of the skin. [RELATED] If these vitiligo treatment options fail to work, surgery may be used. The main form of surgery for vitiligo treatment involves skin grafting. Here, normal-looking skin is harvested and used to cover the white areas. Patients risk scarring, cobblestone-like skin and the possibility of the treatment not working. As seen in most of the above celebrities vitiligo cases, concealing affected areas is always an option. This can be achieved with colored cosmetics. Lack of melanin makes the skin particularly prone to sunburn and diseases like cancer. Applying sunscreen helps, especially in later vitiligo stages. Vitiligo natural treatment remedies may work but have not been sufficiently researched on. Be sure to check with your doctor before trying them out. Good examples include vitamins, minerals and herbs such as gingko biloba. [post_title] => Celebrities with Vitiligo: Michael Jackson, Joe Rogan, Jon Hamm and others [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => celebrities-with-vitiligo-michael-jackson-joe-rogan-jon-hamm-and-other [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2018-05-07 16:53:46 [post_modified_gmt] => 2018-05-07 16:53:46 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://skinanswer.com/?p=4906 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [10] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 5292 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2018-04-12 10:10:56 [post_date_gmt] => 2018-04-12 10:10:56 [post_content] => Vitiligo is a disease caused by the absence of melanin, or the substance that gives color to the skin. This results in milky-white spots or patches. The disease affects 0.5-2% of the world population. Vitiligo is largely harmless apart from the fact that affected areas are particularly sensitive to sunlight. Most patients experience psychological damage more than they do physical discomfort. Some celebrities who have been diagnosed with vitiligo skin disorder openly talk about it and even post photos on social media. This proves that vitiligo patients should not be seen as any different from everyone else. Anyone can get vitiligo. Although it often shows up between age 3 and 20, age, sex, ethnicity and race are not considered risk factors. Signs usually first show up on body areas exposed to sun like hands, arms and face. Currently, there is no known cure for vitiligo. Many treatment options are however available. Most of them seek to even out skin tone or restore lost pigment. Among available treatments are vitiligo natural treatment methods and remedies.What is vitiligo and what causes it?
The reason as to why some people are dark skinned while others are fair skinned is because of a substance called melanin. The more of it that is present, the more pigmented the skin appears. At times, the cells that make this substance die off or lose their ability to produce it. This leaves the skin without pigment; hence, white skin. Vitiligo is thought to be largely an autoimmune disease. These are diseases that occur when overactive immune system attacks healthy cells, melanocytes in this case. It is common for patients to have vitiligo and diabetes type 1 or thyroid disease at the same time. For this reason, vitiligo is thought to run in families. About 30% of all vitiligo cases are genetic related. A person can also develop vitiligo due to sunburns, cuts and stress. [RELATED] Signs often appear on body areas such as legs, knees, elbows, arms, navel, neck and face. Non-segmental vitiligo starts with few spots which gradually spread, join and form larger patches. Segmental vitiligo appears on localized areas and may not spread. See vitiligo pictures for illustrations. Rarely, signs can show up in mucosal membranes such as near the anus and nostrils. Vitiligo on the scalp presents as early graying or whitening of hair. Apparently, vitiligo dog and cat cases are also possible.Ginkgo biloba vitiligo treatment
Ginkgo biloba is perhaps the most popular herbal remedy used for vitiligo treatment. Reports from some clinical trials suggest that the herb may restore lost pigment and prevent progressing depigmentation. Further research is required to prove or disprove these claims.
Dosage information:
The widely accepted gingko biloba vitiligo treatment dosage is 40mg taken thrice a day. 60mg taken twice a day may also be equally effective. It can be taken with or without food. Heavy and fatty meals however decrease amount of active ingredients absorbed into the system.
Benefits and how it works:
The herb contains powerful antioxidants. It also enhances the immune system. Other potential benefits include reduction of skin toxicity, promoting vasodilation and improving skin health. All these may in one way or another improve vitiligo symptoms. Ginkgo biloba works best for vitiligo triggered by oxidative stress or resulting from genetic factors.
Side effects:
It is safe to take ginkgo biloba, whether in pellets, tinctures, tea or other forms. Patients are however advised to check with their doctors first. This is because the herb can interact with some medications, conditions and herbs. A common potential side effect is blood thinning. The herb should not be taken prior to surgery.
Essential oils for vitiligo home treatment
Essential oils for vitiligo are not very popular options but may prove of some help. They include:
Bergamot oil
Bergamot oil contains compounds that increase the efficiency with which melanocytes sense sunlight. Naturally, more melanocytes are produced when more sun is reaching the skin. More melanocytes mean more melanin, which in turn translates into more pigment. The best way to use bergamot oil is adding it to a moisturizer before direct application.
Black pepper oil
Black pepper contains a substance called piperine. It has been suggested that piperine may reactivate melanocytes that have stopped producing melanin. The oil is to be applied directly. Crushed black pepper can be alternatively used.
Lavender oil
Lavender oil is popularly known for its ability to induce a relaxing effect. This can be very helpful when dealing with vitiligo caused by stress. Lavender oil is mild and can be applied directly.
[RELATED]
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is not likely going to restore pigment or even skin tone. It however can help in reducing inflammation which sometimes appears in vitiligo-affected areas.
Coconut oil
Like tea tree oil, coconut oil for vitiligo is not meant to restore skin color. It works as a skin soother. It helps prevent sunburns and itchiness.
Natural home treatments for vitiligo
Segmental, focal and universal vitiligo can be quite hard to cure and stop from spreading. In fact, you can’t possibly tell if more white skin will appear or not. Non-segmental vitiligo is the most common type. It is often characterized by white patches that appear symmetrically on body areas that mirror each other. Natural treatments may help keep the disease in control. They include: Stress management Stress doesn’t cause vitiligo but can trigger it. Mental stress is the more serious type although physical trauma can also trigger vitiligo. Stress management can be done through meditation, exercises, talk therapies and yoga. Your doctor may be able to help. Skin care The skin is the largest organ in the body. It is for this reason prone to all sorts of harsh environmental conditions and substances. One way to take care of your skin is drink enough water and always keep the skin hydrated. Ayurveda treatment for skin recommends keeping your drinking water in a copper container for at least 24 hours.
Applying sunscreen
Sunscreen will not restore lost pigment but will prevent complications of vitiligo such as sunburns. You can get help from a professional in regards to how to choose the best sunscreen for vitiligo affected skin. More sunscreen is required for vitiligo on arms compared to on face.
Colored cosmetic
Ever wondered how some celebs with vitiligo manage to hide it so well? The secret lies in finding the best vitiligo makeup to conceal affected areas. Again, a professional may be of help in this case.
Home remedies for vitiligo treatment
Below are several home remedies for vitiligo that may help. It should be noted that home remedies lack enough scientific data to explain how they work and if they work at all. Extra caution should be taken when using such treatments for vitiligo baby symptoms. Psoralea seeds In convectional vitiligo treatment, PUVA therapy is one of the available options. It involves use of a substance known as psoralen and UVA light. Psoralen has been shown to be effective in restoring skin color, much like the effects of sun tanning. Aloe vera It is almost impossible to miss aloe vera in any list of home remedies to cure skin conditions. The herb contains minerals and vitamins which may stimulate production of melanin and other skin functions. Turmeric Turmeric is another powerful home remedy that may help with treating vitiligo. For best results, turmeric powder is mixed with mustard oil to make a paste. The paste is then applied directly, left for about 15 minutes before being rinsed off. [RELATED] Red clay It is the abundant copper in red clay that makes it a potential vitiligo treatment remedy. For better results, the clay can be mixed with ginger juice before direct application. Radish seeds Soaking radish seeds in vinegar may result in a paste rich enough to treat vitiligo. To make a good paste, soak radish seeds in vinegar so that a paste will be produced overnight. Apply the paste directly and rinse off after one and half hours.Vitiligo diet and supplements
The types of foods we eat play a very important role in our overall health. This also applies in the case of vitiligo. There are some diet inclusions that may improve or worsen vitiligo. Recommended vitiligo diet: Zinc Zinc is a mineral that helps in healing of muscles and bones as well as in absorption of other nutrients. It also takes part in keeping the immune system healthy. Since vitiligo is an autoimmune disorder, diets rich in zinc may help control vitiligo cycles. Copper Copper is thought to stimulate production of melanin, thus reducing the severity of vitiligo. Foods are rich sources of copper although the mineral can also be sourced from red clay. Vitamin C Lack of vitamin C causes scurvy. This shows how important this vitamin is to skin health. It has also been found that many vitiligo patients lack enough vitamin C in their systems. When aiming to treat vitiligo, use vegetables or supplements rather than citrus fruits as your vitamin C sources. Vitamin B-12 A combination of vitamin B-12, sun exposure and folic acid has been shown to reduce vitiligo progression in a majority of test subjects. Here is a list of foods recommended for vitiligo:- Vegetables
- Onions
- Carrot
- Figs
- Mangoes
- Papaya
- Almonds
- French beans
- Fenugreek
- Wheat
- Wild caught fish
- Red pepper
- Potato
- Lentils
- Mushrooms
- Raw diary
- Grass-fed beef
- Dark chocolate
- Citrus fruits
- Red meat
- Lemon
- Tomato
- Guava
- Grapes
- Garlic
- Milk
- Fish
- Coffee
- Junk food
- Spicy foods
- Carbonated drinks
- Medications – medications for vitiligo mostly come in the form of creams containing corticosteroids. These are meant to restore skin color. When treatment is done at early stages of vitiligo, repigmentation often occurs.
- Therapies – light therapies are perhaps the most common forms of vitiligo treatment. Depending on severity of the disease, different types of light therapies will be used. These include lasers and UVB lamp for vitiligo.
- Micropigmentation – micropigmentation involves implanting pigment on vitiligo affected areas. It is quite a laborious process and may not be ideal for wide spread vitiligo.
- Depigmentation – during depigmentation, pigment is reduced in remaining normal skin areas to match with white skin due to vitiligo.
Vitiligo stages and spread
It is not that the vitiligo skin disorder follows defined stages as it spreads. In the beginning, a spot or speck appears which later develops into larger patches. This depends on the type of vitiligo being dealt with. Signs often show up on areas exposed to the sun such as hands, arms and face. It is not common for them to appear spontaneously. At times, there will be multiple spots which spread and join together. This is in fact the most common result. [RELATED] Most people are diagnosed with vitiligo before their twentieth or fortieth birthday. It is not common for vitiligo to develop in kids below the age of 3 years. Early stages of vitiligo are marked with patches that may be whiter in the middle but pinkish at edges. The pink coloration is caused by presence of blood vessels. Sometimes, discoloration may be present. Vitiligo is not associated with skin dryness, plaques or scaling. Some people experience itchiness and inflammation on affected areas. These are, however, mild and not that common. Applying sunscreens may help prevent such complications since vitiligo affected areas are particularly prone to sunburn. Later vitiligo stages may involve widespread loss of skin color. Rarely, more than 50% of the body will be affected. Such cases are sometimes treated by removing pigment in unaffected areas for uniformity. All the same, it may stay localized. This is commonly seen in focal vitiligo which often occurs in children.Types of vitiligo; segmental and non-segmental
Vitiligo is mainly categorized into segmental and non-segmental. Basically, segmental describes the vitiligo that develops on localized body areas while non-segmental describes symmetrical and widespread vitiligo.
There are various subdivisions which sometimes depend on your source of information. For example, types of vitiligo can be described in the following manner:
Localized
- Segmental – this is the type that occurs discreetly. Here, loss of skin color occurs on one or more body areas. It for example can appear on one side of the neck or in the genital region. This is type is most common in children. It is not associated with family history of vitiligo or autoimmune diseases like diabetes type 1.
- Focal – in focal vitiligo, few spots appear on a confined area. The spots may but don’t always join to form larger patches. If it is to spread, focal vitiligo turns into generalized vitiligo which is much harder to treat.
- Mucosal – as the name suggests, this is vitiligo of mucous membranes. Melanocytes also occur in soft linings of orifices such as the anus and nostrils.
- Acrofacial – this type appears on fingers, toes and lips. It is sometimes referred to as lip-tip vitiligo. Since small body areas are involved, treatment is more likely to be successful.
- Mixed – in this case, depigmentation presents as scattered patches in different body areas. This includes hair affected by vitiligo.
- Universal – this is a rare type. Depigmentation occurs on most or all of the body.
Opposite of vitiligo; re-vitiligo
When less or no melanin is being produced, it is referred to as hypopigmentation. This makes the opposite of vitiligo hyperpigmentation or reverse vitiligo. Just like melanocytes may stop making melanin, the same can make excess melanin. There also are other ways in which loss of normal skin color can occur.
Hyperpigmentation:
Among other things, melanin protects us from sun poisoning. It is therefore to be expected that spending a lot of time in the sun will make the skin appear darker. Diseases such as Addison’s disease can also cause hyperpigmentation. Sometimes, signs present as brown spots rather than widespread hyperpigmentation.
Birthmarks or beauty marks:
Most people have birthmarks which have always been there. Some birthmarks can become so big as to cause cosmetic problems or be located on body areas such as the face where they are very conspicuous. Birthmarks are generally not harmful but can be removed with lasers or creams.
Blue skin:
It is creative to have blue colored people dominating the scenes of an Avatar movie. But when the phenomenon occurs in real life, something must be terribly wrong. Blue skin is a medical emergency caused by lack of oxygen in affected areas. Some chemicals, medications and dyes can cause this disorder.
Jaundice:
Jaundice is a serious disease caused by accumulation of bilirubin. It indicates that the liver is not functioning properly, causing waste products from cells to not be efficiently disposed. The disease presents as yellowing of the skin and the white part of eyes.
Infections:
Most infections cause some form of color change. For example, bacterial infection often results in red streaking and darkening of affected areas. Red streaks develop when lymphatic vessels become infected. Darkening indicates death of fat tissue due to toxins produced by bacteria. This is a serious complication of bacterial infections known as necrotizing fasciitis.
Melasma:
Hormones are body chemicals that govern many process and systems. A number of them are involved in production of eggs in the ovary and pregnancies. It is their fluctuations that cause the peculiar behaviors in women such as mood swings. Hormones sometimes lead to production of more melanin. The excess melanin results in mild hyperpigmentation which usually manifests on chest and face. This can also be caused by oral contraceptives. After pregnancy or quitting contraceptives pills, the effect should gradually disappear.
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It is not likely that re-vitiligo will result in widespread hyperpigmentation. In fact, check with your doctor if signs of hyperpigmentation appear even on localized areas. It can be a case of medical emergency.
How does vitiligo occur?
In simple terms, vitiligo occurs once melanin stops being produced. How the whole process occurs and what triggers it is not well understood. The largely accepted theory is that vitiligo is an autoimmune disease. Autoimmune diseases develop when an active immune system attacks healthy cells. There are many diseases that occur this way. In fact, it is the main similarity between vitiligo and lupus. Non-segmental vitiligo is the type that results from destruction of melanocytes by the immune system. Naturally, immune cells are able to recognize normal body cells and keep from attacking them. Factors or substances that take away this ability are known as triggers. In case of vitiligo, genetic factors are common triggers. It is for example common for children born of parents diagnosed with diabetes type 1 or Hashimoto’s thyroid disease to develop vitiligo. Signs of diabetes include being thirsty and the frequent urge to urinate. Thyroid disease causes extreme fatigue and sluggishness. Such symptoms may be present prior to manifestation of vitiligo symptoms. Sunburns and cuts are also common vitiligo triggers. They can easily cause loss of melanocytes which may or may not spread. Mental stress and physical trauma have also been identified as potential vitiligo triggers. For example, a complicated childbirth can cause segmental vitiligo in babies. Getting tattooed can cause enough skin trauma to trigger vitiligo cycles. The same can be said of mental stress. A good example is the Jon Hamm vitiligo case which is thought to have been triggered by stress. An interesting fact is that vitiligo is not a disease for humans alone. For example, vitiligo cat or dog cases are possible.What types of vitiligo are curable?
So what should you do once you have discovered that you have vitiligo? The first important thing is to understand that vitiligo is not a serious health problem. It is also not contagious, so there will be no need for segregation or withdrawal.
It is a good idea to go for medical diagnosis. This helps rule out other possible causes of skin color loss such as fungal infections. Diagnosis may also help identify the actual cause of the vitiligo such as diabetes, anemia or thyroid disease.
After diagnosis, a variety of treatment options may be suggested by your doctor. They include:
Medications
The common medications used for vitiligo treatment are corticosteroids which come in form of vitiligo cream to be applied directly. Occasionally, they are used alongside light therapy for better results. Corticosteroids come with side effects such as skin thinning. Extra caution should be taken when using corticosteroids to treat vitiligo in toddlers.
Therapies
Phototherapy for vitiligo is perhaps the most successful vitiligo treatment. Simple therapies involve use of lasers to restore skin color on small areas such as on the lips. For widespread vitiligo, light boxes bring better results.
A more advanced and effective therapy involves use of psoralen and UVA light. Psoralen is a substance derived from plants and with the ability to restore skin color. It can be taken orally or be applied directly. Once applied, UVA light is then shone on the affected areas. This treatment works for about 75% of all cases.
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Therapies may also involve direct manipulation of pigment. One way to achieve this is by directly implanting pigment to affected areas. Another way is to remove pigment from healthy body areas so that they can match with widespread depigmentation caused by universal vitiligo.
Surgery
Surgery is a fairly crude vitiligo treatment option. It is considered when other treatments have not worked. The treatment involves harvesting colored skin from elsewhere on the body and covering depigmented areas with it.
Home treatments
Home treatments such as vitiligo makeup and vitamins may not have dramatic effects but can help. It is always a good idea to check with your doctor before trying such treatments. The herb known as ginkgo biloba has also been identified as a potential cure.
[post_title] => Vitiligo Skin Disorder Stages: Early, Mild, Focal and Segmental
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[post_content] => Vitiligo is caused by lack of pigment. Cells responsible for melanin production are known as melanocytes. Sometimes, these cells get destroyed or become unable to produce melanin. This results in discoloration that presents as pale but usually white patches, a disease called vitiligo. Depending on the type of vitiligo, discoloration can be localized or widespread. The latter is more common.
Vitiligo is often hard to completely get rid of. Available treatments usually seek to even skin tone or restore pigment. Restoring pigment is more practical when small areas such as the lips have been affected. Widespread vitiligo requires methods such as camouflaging with cosmetics.
What it is to camouflage with vitiligo makeup
People with vitiligo do end up with serious complications even when the disease is left without vitiligo treatment. This is even with vitiligo baby cases. The main complication is affected skin becoming very sensitive to sunlight and therefore risk of sunburns or skin cancer.
To most patients, vitiligo is more a source of mental than physical distress. Kids for example fail to understand why it is that they are differently colored. Adults old enough to understand how vitiligo works have to deal with undesired attention, including allegations of engaging in skin bleaching activities. Celebrities diagnosed with vitiligo sometimes go to the trouble of publicly addressing their condition. Tamar Braxton and Terrence J vitiligo cases are good examples.
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Since vitiligo is not a serious disease, patients can cope with it with the help of vitiligo makeup. Also, treatments such as micropigmentation cost several hundreds of dollars, which not everyone can afford. Others like PUVA therapy require several months or years before desired results can be noticed. All these are factors that make camouflaging a reasonable management option for vitiligo.
Skin camouflaging is use of creams and other cosmetics to cover vitiligo affected areas. They work by masking the white patches so that even skin tone can be achieved. Camouflaging doesn’t cure vitiligo or keep it from spreading.
Patients can take advantage of vitiligo makeup only during special occasions or as a long-term vitiligo treatment. There are no restrictions as to who can use such makeup. This is partly because age, sex and race are not considered risk factors of vitiligo. The disease can affect anyone.
Choosing the best makeup to cover vitiligo
Finding the best concealer for vitiligo is not that hard but requires a bit of patience and detective work. There are many brands of vitiligo makeup that can be ordered online or be purchased over the counter. Others require a prescription. Popular names include Dermacolor, Covermark, Keromask and Dermablend.
Most if not all vitiligo makeup brands contain ingredients that do not cause allergic reactions or such reactions. You can always check for the full list of ingredients on main websites or get in touch with their help desk.
One of the important things to ensure is that you choose a concealer that matches your skin color. This will ensure that vitiligo patches stay masked even when your skin grows naturally.
Note that makeup brands such as Dermacolor are specifically made to correct skin discolorations or disfigurements. This means that simple makeup, lotions or liquid dyes will not work on vitiligo. The same can be said about concealing products meant to cover acne and pimples.
You can approach a professional for help on how to choose the best makeup to cover vitiligo. This is partly because you may find yourself heavily relying on the makeup in the future.
How to apply makeup to cover vitiligo?
Once you have settled on the right makeup to cover vitiligo, it is important that it be applied appropriately. Below are the steps to follow: Start with cleansing the skin. Use water and soap to cleanse the areas on which you intend to apply the makeup. You can use medicated soap but not always necessary. Afterwards, pat dry or leave to air dry. [RELATED] Apply foundation. Most people use their fingertips to apply both foundation and makeup. You can however use a brush or a sponge. Start with the centre of the patch, which sometimes is whiter. Apply a thin coat of the foundation in circular motions towards the outside. Apply several layers. The essence of applying the foundation in thin coats is to allow several of them to be applied. This is to be done from the center outwards. Before adding a next layer, it is advisable to let the previous one to settle. This takes about 5 minutes. Include surrounding skin. You will notice that the makeup will gradually fade into the skin. To achieve better camouflaging results, it is best that you also apply the makeup on surrounding skin areas. This will bring about a more matching skin tone. Powder the skin. Most makeup brands come with a powder meant to be applied on the skin afterwards. Just use the normal process of applying powders by dusting. Check for special instructions. Some brands may come with special instructions on how they should be used. Make sure to read and follow such instructions. If doubts exist, you can always contact their help desk. It is not guaranteed that a certain vitiligo makeup will work for you. The best approach is trying several of them and consulting a professional. If you have a dry or sensitive skin, apply a moisturizer before introducing the foundation.Using fake tans for vitiligo camouflage
Fake tans are another option for concealing vitiligo patches. They work by changing the color of the epidermis, the outermost skin layer. Fake tans can be used alone or with camouflaging makeup.
One of the main advantages of fake tans is that their effects last longer than makeup. Some for example last for about six days before reapplication is necessary. Once you have applied fake tans, they do not easily rub off even on clothing. This means that they are a considerable option for widespread vitiligo. The products are also widely available even without a prescription.
The main drawback is that fake tans are not as effective as camouflage makeup, particularly for darker skinned people.
How to use:
- Like camouflaging makeup, the first step to using fake tans should be to cleanse affected areas. You can use a piece of cloth or brush instead of water.
- After cleansing, apply a moisturizer to prevent skin dryness. Wait for about 5 minutes for the moisturizer to settle.
- Apply the fake tan according to given instructions or generally in circular motions from centre outwards.
- Bony body areas naturally seem to have more pigment. Apply less tanning product on these areas.
- When done, avoid tight clothing so that the lotion will not wear off with the clothing or sweat. Fake tans can also stain clothing.
Tanning lotion for vitiligo
Quite a number of products and brands fall in the category of tanning lotions. These are products that stimulate production of melanin. More melanin means more skin pigment. Tanning lotion can be in form of cream, spray, lotion or even gel. It may be of indoor, outdoor or sunless type. [RELATED] The main active ingredient in most tanning lotions is DHA. This is a compound that interacts with proteins on outer layer of the skin, causing it to become darker. Other ingredients such as oils may be added to protect the skin or aid in UV absorption. Indoor tanning lotion: These are commonly used with tanning beds away from direct sunlight. They do not protect from sunburns. There are several subtypes in this category which use UVB lamp for vitiligo. Outdoor tanning lotion: These are lotions used when tanning with the help of natural sunlight. Such are a considerable option for vitiligo on legs. Sunlight contains harmful UV rays that may not only cause sunburn but can lead to skin cancer and immature skin aging. To avoid this, use of sunscreen is recommended. Sunless tanning lotion: Sunless tanning lotion doesn’t rely on sunlight. Here, products are applied directly. These products soon fade leaving behind tanning effects. Sunless tanning lotion produces temporary results. It is a much better choice for it reduces risk of skin cancer and skin aging. Most people have to try several times before settling on the best tanning lotion or product. Indoor tanning lotions have however been said to enhance UV radiation instead of preventing it. Outdoor lotions on the other hand may take long for desired results to be achieved. This is not to mention the risk of getting sunburn, skin damage and skin cancer. Blue copper 5 vitiligo can be used with outdoor tanning lotion to prevent skin aging and encourage tanning. Sunless tanning lotions seem like a better option but produce temporary results.Other vitiligo treatment products
There are supermodels who have been diagnosed with vitiligo but still able to go on with their careers successfully. You can check out stories of models with vitiligo and how they cope with the disease online. In most cases, camouflaging makeup is used by models and celebs especially when in public places. Some are so perfectly matched with skin tone that it is impossible to tell if the individual has vitiligo. [RELATED] Other than tanning and camouflaging products, medications such as Elidel and Protopic may help. These work by suppressing the immune system. Vitiligo is largely an autoimmune disease. It occurs when melanocytes are mistakenly attacked by overactive immune cells. By using immunosuppressants, the disease may be kept from spreading. Such medications are usually prescribed for eczema but can work for cases such as penile vitiligo. Vitiligo skin disorder can be treated or managed in a variety of ways. The best approach is to talk with your doctor before embarking on a specific form of treatment. In fact, vitiligo can also develop in animals such as pets. Rottweiler with vitiligo is a good example. [post_title] => Ways to Camouflage Vitiligo by Using Cosmetic Makeup, Cream and Lotion [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => ways-to-camouflage-vitiligo-by-using-cosmetic-makeup-cream-and-lotion [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2018-05-08 02:07:03 [post_modified_gmt] => 2018-05-08 02:07:03 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://skinanswer.com/?p=4927 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [comment_count] => 0 [current_comment] => -1 [found_posts] => 12 [max_num_pages] => 1 [max_num_comment_pages] => 0 [is_single] => [is_preview] => [is_page] => [is_archive] => 1 [is_date] => [is_year] => [is_month] => [is_day] => [is_time] => [is_author] => [is_category] => 1 [is_tag] => [is_tax] => [is_search] => [is_feed] => [is_comment_feed] => [is_trackback] => [is_home] => [is_404] => [is_embed] => [is_paged] => [is_admin] => [is_attachment] => [is_singular] => [is_robots] => [is_posts_page] => [is_post_type_archive] => [query_vars_hash:WP_Query:private] => c5a4558dc7360d516cc8efd797bae108 [query_vars_changed:WP_Query:private] => [thumbnails_cached] => [stopwords:WP_Query:private] => [compat_fields:WP_Query:private] => Array ( [0] => query_vars_hash [1] => query_vars_changed ) [compat_methods:WP_Query:private] => Array ( [0] => init_query_flags [1] => parse_tax_query ) ) Over 12 articles spanning numerous of Vitiligo topics.-
Ways to Camouflage Vitiligo by Using Cosmetic Makeup, Cream and Lotion
Vitiligo is caused by lack of pigment. Cells responsible for melanin production are known as melanocytes. Sometimes, these cells get destroyed or become unable to
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Animals affected by Vitiligo: Cats, Dogs, Birds and others.
Vitiligo is a disease caused by loss of melanin. Melanin is the substance that gives color to the skin. In its absence, the skin becomes
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Micropigmentation and Laser Therapy for Vitiligo and Stoppage of Spreading
The skin gets its color from melanin. Melanin is produced by melanocytes. Melanocytes are found in large numbers in the upper skin layer known as
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Vitiligo Medical Treatment with Creams, Lotions and Vitamins
Vitiligo is a disease that affects 0.5-2% of world population. It is not dangerous but can be very distressing. In fact, the disease causes more
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Vitiligo Skin Disease on the Genital Areas: Penis, Vagina and Scrotum
Vitiligo affects about 0.5-2% of world population. That translates to about 70-140 million people. Some cases go unreported. In most of these patients, vitiligo proves
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Body Parts Affected by Vitiligo: Face, Hair, Hands, Legs and Back
Vitiligo affects about 70 million people globally. It is not a dangerous disease but can result in serious mental distress. In fact, the psychological torment
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What is Vitiligo, is it Contagious: Causes, Definition, Facts and Heredity
About 2 percent of the world’s population is affected by vitiligo. This is a disease caused by lack of melanin producing cells, or melanocytes, in
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Vitiligo: Signs, Symptoms, Cure, Treatment, Prevention with Pictures
Vitiligo is a disease where melanocytes are unable to produce melanin or there are not enough of them. Melanin is the substance that gives color
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Vitiligo in Kids and Toddlers: Genetic Transmission, Segmental and Focal
It is estimated that about 2% of children below the age of 20 years have vitiligo skin disorder. Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease caused by
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Celebrities with Vitiligo: Michael Jackson, Joe Rogan, Jon Hamm and others
Vitiligo is a disease caused by the inability of melanocytes to make melanin or loss of these pigment-producing cells. Melanin is the substance that makes
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Vitiligo Natural and Herbal Treatment: Diet, Essential Oils and Home Remedies
Vitiligo is a disease caused by the absence of melanin, or the substance that gives color to the skin. This results in milky-white spots or
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Vitiligo Skin Disorder Stages: Early, Mild, Focal and Segmental
Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease where melanin is not produced. Melanin gives color to skin and hair. The skin would look pale or milky-white in
