Vitiligo, also known as patchy scleroderma, causes the patient's skin to lose its original color. Patches of darker, lighter skin usually appear. Some people have only a few patches while others have all of their skin color lost.
This condition often occurs on one side of the body, most commonly on the legs. It can also affect other areas of the body. A common patch is seen on the lower back. The person with vitiligo may notice the patches as dark, silvery grey, blue or green patches. These patches are often accompanied by scaly, flaky skin.
There are certain treatments available for people with vitiligo. It is not possible to treat this condition with over the counter medications. Vitiligo is a chronic disease that cannot be cured, but it can be managed and controlled.
When looking at treatment options, you should understand that some are more effective than others. Topical medications, such as ointments and creams are available. You should discuss with your physician what treatment options are best for you. You will want to determine how often the medications will be required and how long the effects of these medications will last. You will want to know if any medications may interact with any medical conditions or medications that you maybe taking. It is always a good idea to get a second opinion if the first doctor does not feel comfortable prescribing a medication for your condition.
Certain other forms of treatment, such as surgical options, are also considered effective topical treatments for vitiligo. Many doctors recommend invasive procedures if other, less invasive methods fail to provide results. Surgical treatments for vitiligo include a process known as photocoagulation. This involves the use of a light beam to destroy the vitiligo cells, which causes them to die off.
Laser therapy is another form of treatment. In this method, lasers are used to kill off the vitiligo cells. This method can cause scarring, but it is generally not as permanent as the procedures performed with photocoagulation. It can leave a visible scar on the affected area.
Surgery can be used in conjunction with other methods to treat vitiligo
It can sometimes lead to a full recovery and return of normal color in the affected area. However, the patient may have to wait several months before the skin returns to its former color, so it is important to research the options carefully.
It may take several treatments before you find a treatment that works for you. No matter which type of treatment you choose, it is important to understand that vitiligo is not curable. As with all types of diseases, the goal is to try to control the progression.
In the meantime, your doctor may be able to reduce the appearance of the symptoms by taking certain medications. A good treatment plan should address all aspects of the condition, including identifying the causes and correcting any underlying issues. You should always talk to your doctor before beginning any new medication regimen, especially if you have any prior medical conditions.
Vitiligo affects many children and adults alike. Some cases may clear up on their own, while others require ongoing treatment. It is important to realize that all cases of vitiligo are different, so there is no one treatment that will work for all patients. Even so, there are things that can be done to help improve the appearance of vitiligo.
It is also important to understand the difference between mild and severe vitiligo. Mild vitiligo typically clears up in a couple of months. While severe cases may have no noticeable improvement, you may want to consider surgery. If you have this type of vitiligo, it is important to understand that your doctor may be able to correct the problem and prevent it from coming back.
The cause of your vitiligo may also be able to be corrected. If you do not see any improvements after using some of the treatment options discussed here, then you may want to discuss further with your doctor about surgery.