Vitiligo: Frequently Asked Questions

Vitiligo is a skin disorder where skin looses it color pigment called melanin. There may either be destruction of melanin or loss of melanin pigments.

Leucoderma and vitiligo practically mean the same. Leuco= white and derma= skin. While patches on skin is called leucoderma. However, every case of leucoderma may not be vitiligo. Leucoderma is a term more commonly used in Asian countries.

More information on vitiligo is given on this link. http://www.askdrshah.com/app/vitiligo/vitiligo.aspx

The exact cause of vitiligo is not very clearly understood. However, there are several theories which are explained in detail on this page: http://www.askdrshah.com/app/vitiligo/vitiligo-causes.aspx

One can get vitiligo even if no one in the family has or had vitiligo. Most patients of vitiligo have family history of one of the autoimmune diseases such as Vitiligo, diabetes, hypothyroid, alopecia areata, cancer, etc., which is suggestive of genetic link. Many times patients may not be fully aware of the relevant family history.

Vitiligo is NOT a serious disease. In fact, it is one of the most benign conditions that our body can have. I suggest my write up on this topic at http://www.askdrshah.com/app/vitiligo/vitiligo-innocent-disease.aspx

Vitiligo does not spread by touch. It is not caused by any germs such as bacteria or virus. It is 100% safe to touch one who has vitiligo. It is a sign of ignorance if one avoids touching the person who has vitiligo.

Some instructions about food have been described on this link: http://www.askdrshah.com/app/vitiligo/vitiligo-diet.aspx

Please read a small write up on "How to cope up with vitiligo?" at http://www.askdrshah.com/app/vitiligo/vitiligo-coping.aspx

It is not possible to predict if one's vitiligo would spread. The experience shows that there are some criteria which make on prone to extensive vitiligo. Some to the factors which increase the chances of spread, though it is not a rule, are:

1. Strong family history of vitiligo
2. Appearance of vitiligo spots on both sides (bilateral) of the body, including finger tips, toes, and lips. 
3. Associated with hypothyroid (under active thyroid) or diabetes.

Controlled Under Active Thyroid will help controlling your vitiligo. However, it has been observed that even if your thyroid levels are normal, somehow, you still are at higher risk of having spread of vitiligo.

Exposure of vitiligo spots to the rising sun and the setting sun is useful to vitiligo spots. The gentle sunlight is useful in vitiligo and helps for natural re-pigmentation.

Due to lack of melanin, the patches of vitiligo on skin have no natural protection against the sun's rays. Therefore, the most important reason for protecting your skin is to prevent sunburn and cancer of skin. Exposure to sun is not likely to increase vitiligo. However, the sun exposure might tan the skin making the vitiligo spot look more prominent.

Exposure to the harsh sunlight should be avoided, and if the person experiences sunburn or discomfort, then patient should use sun block creams, or a cap, or full clothes, or use an umbrella.

The conventional treatment comprises of use of

1. Corticosteroids (local and oral)

2. Psoralen

3. Immunosuppressants such as Cortisone, Tacros.

4. Phototherapy

5. Skin grafting and cosmetic surgery, etc. 

It is a common experience of most clinicians that corticosteroids in the form of cream, oral or injections, may help the patient, initially; but it tends to lead to increase in the vitiligo spots on stopping it. Also, steroids have various adverse effects. You need to understand from your doctor the scope and limitation of the use of cortisone before you opt for it. Please check these two links: 1. Cortisone is no more effective as a long term treatment for Vitiligo. 2. Adverse effects of Cortisone

Please check these two links: 1. Cortisone is no more effective as a long term treatment for Vitiligo. 2. Adverse effects of Cortisone

Homeopathic treatment:

Homeopathy is an alternative medicine originated in Germany. Please click this for more information.What is Homeopathy

The homeopathic treatment treats vitiligo by possibly regulating the immune mechanism.
     > Controlling the spread of Vitiligo by attempting to correct the immune system
     > Enhancing the natural melanocyte formation (melanogenesis)
 

Homeopathic is believed to treat vitiligo by stimulating the melanin and by controlling the melanin destruction process, which is genetically determined. Early cases, less extensive cases of vitiligo respond extremely well to homeopathy. However, in moderately severe cases it can control further spread, In cases of extensive (wide spread) cases, homeopathy cannot offer much success.

Please read more on yours chances of cure at http://www.askdrshah.com/app/vitiligo

Please conduct this curability test by clicking http://www.askdrshah.com/app/vitiligo/vitiligo-curability-register.aspx

Yes

No. Initially, you have to continue both the medicines simultaneously. Once your vitiligo improves, you have to reduce the dose of the conventional medicines.

There are no bad adverse effects.

No. Homeopathic medicines can be safely taken with the conventional medicines.

Most patients start observing improvement within about six to eight weeks. Those who are on steroids may take time.

No. You can continue all other medicines for other diseases if you start with homeopathy. Homeopathy does not adversely interact with the conventional medicines.

The homeopathic medicines are largely sources from minerals, herbs, chemicals, etc. More information available at http://www.askdrshah.com/app/vitiligo

Actually, this is a social question and not a medical question. It is entirely your choice to to inform your would be life partner with whom you are going to share whole of your life, that you have vitiligo.

It may be remembered that if you do not inform about your vitiligo, you will have a sense of guilt; as marriage is based on the foundation of trust. However, it is not within our scope to make any suggestion.

As described above, it is a social question rather than a medical. However, medically speaking, one has to understand that vitiligo is not a threat to health. It not a contagious disorder; it does not spread by touch. It has more of cosmetic angle. It is a paradox that people can accept their future life partners having disease like asthma, diabetes, migraine, allergies, etc. but not a benign condition such as vitiligo!

The steroids or cortisone are never used in homeopathy. Actually, homeopathy is against the use of Crotisone. It is surprising that when homeopathy works very well, some people like to suspect that the medicines may contain some cortisone. Also, the laboratory tests may have some false results, as explained in a separate article, for which please click here.

For other Online Treatment related Frequently Asked Questions, please click here.