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Writer's pictureShikha Sharma

What Is The First Sign Of Having Vitiligo?

Vitiligo is a skin disease that makes the skin discoloured. Hence, one starts experiencing white patches on the skin. These white spots may appear anywhere on the body and increase in size with time. Vitiligo is so strong that it can also damage the hair colour and spread inside the mouth. Once the Vitiligo appears, it is stubborn to go by changing lifestyle and eating habits. But one may stop it from spreading throughout the body in the initial days. To do so, one must know the first sign of dark spots. 


Dr. Shikha Aggarwal is the best dermatologist in Ludhiana. At Bliss Laser Skin Clinic, she provides effective treatment for Vitiligo. By taking insights from this doctor, this blog will share a guide on the signs and symptoms of Vitiligo and its effective treatments. So, go through this blog carefully.




An Overview of Vitiligo

Vitiligo, commonly known as white spots and discoloured skin, is an autoimmune skin disorder. A lack of melanin typically causes this skin concern. Melanin plays a vital role in balancing the skin tone and hair colour. With age and hormonal changes, it starts decreasing in the body. As a result, grey hairs and lighter skin tones occur. In some people, melanin-producing cells die or stop functioning. This may happen at any age, so candidates of any age start facing uneven skin tone and white patches anywhere around the body.


First sign of Vitiligo         

The first sign of Vitiligo may include:


  • White spots on the hand, face, legs and genitals.

  • Premature grey hairs on the scalp, eyelashes and eyebrows.

  • Discoloured tissues inside the mouth

  • Change in the colour of eyes.


Type of Vitiligo

Vitiligo is classified into below mentioned two categories-


  1. Segmental Vitiligo


It is an uncommon type of vitiligo which usually appears in children. Segmental vitiligo is also known as unilateral or localised one's specific body part only. 


  1. Non-Segmental Vitiligo

It is the most common type of vitiligo, which develops in 9 out of 10 individuals. Non-segmental vitiligo can appear on any body part, including the back of arms, knees, elbows, feet and around the eyes. 


Cause of Vitiligo

Below-mentioned three reasons that may cause vitiligo-

  1. Autoimmune Disorder


Many people have weak immunity. This may lead to the formation of antibodies of vitiligo in the body. These antibodies damage the melanocytes- a factor responsible for producing and maintaining melanin in the body.


  1. Family Background 

Vitiligo can be caused by heredity. Suppose a person has a mother, father or any other relative in blood relation diagnosed with vitiligo. In that case, there are chances for the candidate to get vitiligo as the gift of ancestors.  


  1. Stress

Stress also plays a vital role in developing vitiligo or other skin issues. This mental state creates a hormonal imbalance, and the white patches on the skin can easily target one with a weak immune system or inactive vitiligo in genes.


Treatment for Vitiligo

Vitiligo is reversible. With the help of the right skin expert, one can get the natural skin back. Regarding this, some of the popular vitiligo treatments provided by expert dermatologists are as follows-  


1. Physical Therapy 


NB-UVB light therapy and oral or topical medications achieve a high response rate. Extended therapy is usually needed, and it usually takes four treatment sessions to see improvements. UV excimer light stimulates skin pigment cells to generate colour by targeting the immune system. White skin in small places benefits from this light.


2. UVA Phototherapy

Phototherapy with UVA Psoralen and UVA light therapy activate skin sensitivity to UV light, followed by intense exposure to UVA light.


3. UVB Phototherapy

UVB lamps are the most common vitiligo treatment. Usually, this treatment is provided twice or three times a week. Large portions of the body with white patches can be treated using UVB broadband and narrowband lamps. Together with other topical therapies, UVB phototherapy can boost repigmentation.


4. Surgery Methods

Surgery is an option for stable, limited vitiligo. Pigment cells from the patient's undamaged skin are implanted to treat damaged areas. Melanocyte transplantation can be done utilising punch, suction blister, or new cellular grafting.


5. Deception

Professional camouflage cosmetics can hide injured areas while waiting for medical treatment. Camouflage or heavily pigmented cosmetics are often available to localised patients.


6. Depigmentation Treatment

If vitiligo is severe or not responding to treatment, medication to lighten the surrounding skin tone may be utilised to reduce contrast. Topical therapies may match the unaffected skin's colour. Long-term skin pigmentation removal is also possible with certain drugs. UV radiation must be avoided throughout life to prevent severe sunburn and melanomas. Depigmentation may be better for large areas over half the body.


7. Topical Medication

Topically administered potent or ultra-potent corticosteroids are most typically recommended. A topically administered corticosteroid may improve results when used with another medicine. Corticosteroids cure severe vitiligo better in dark-skinned people.


Vitiligo, a persistent skin disorder, may take time and produce variable results. There are white spots on the skin, and the sickness could return. The goal is to stop the disease's progression and maximise repigmentation. This depends on the topic and level of involvement.


Conclusion 

Vitiligo is an autoimmune disorder caused by heredity, weak immune system, stress and hormonal imbalance. This skin concern of white patches usually starts appearing on the hand, legs and face. It can occur at any point of age and is not life-threatening. But it can damage one's self-confidence. To keep one's self-esteem intact, one can get assistance from a skin expert.


One can consult Dr Shikha Aggarwal, renowned for the best vitiligo treatment in Ludhiana. At Bliss Laser Skin Clinic, she provides therapy for dark spots, topical medications, UVA- and UVB-based phototherapy, deception, and surgery for treating vitiligo. You may visit Bliss Laser Skin Clinic today for more details about these treatments. 


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