Vitiligo is commonly identified by the white patches that it causes on the skin, due to a loss of pigment. The condition is also known as leukoderma and its exact causes are not fully understood. Vitiligo treatment is usually difficult because of its chronic nature, and a permanent cure is hard to achieve, but some procedures do offer partial relief.
Many doctors advise Vitiligo patients to go for Phototherapy. This is a widely used treatment, which entails exposure to ultraviolet rays causing the skin to tan. This is not unlike to the method used for thermage. A drug called Psoralen is used under this treatment, and is either taken orally or is applied on the target area. Thereafter, the affected area is exposed to UVA radiation, which activates the cells that create melanin.
Grafting of skin is another remedy for Vitiligo patients. In skin grafting, doctors surgically replace the diseased part of the skin with a healthy melanocyte rich graft. The new cells start manufacturing melanin, thus re-pigmenting the skin.
The condition may sometimes become severe to an extent that almost the entire skin loses its colour. In such a scenario, doctors sometimes recommend removing the pigment from the unharmed areas. This process causes the non-white areas to fade somewhat as the skin colour is the same throughout, which is a better option cosmetically than having a patched skin. De-pigmentation should however be done only when no other option is available, and any potential negative effects must be carefully considered.
Vitiligo treatments that use herbal or natural medication are also offered. Peppermint oil and a naturally occurring substance called Ginkgo biloba are frequently used in such therapies. Several cosmetics, which hide the white patches, can also be found, and a specialist should be able to recommend some good products.
Even though a lot of research is still required to identify the true causes of this skin disorder, these Vitiligo treatments can offer both long and short-term relief to the patients. Considering the recent revolutionary changes in biotech, a permanent cure for Vitiligo is a certainty.
Many doctors advise Vitiligo patients to go for Phototherapy. This is a widely used treatment, which entails exposure to ultraviolet rays causing the skin to tan. This is not unlike to the method used for thermage. A drug called Psoralen is used under this treatment, and is either taken orally or is applied on the target area. Thereafter, the affected area is exposed to UVA radiation, which activates the cells that create melanin.
Grafting of skin is another remedy for Vitiligo patients. In skin grafting, doctors surgically replace the diseased part of the skin with a healthy melanocyte rich graft. The new cells start manufacturing melanin, thus re-pigmenting the skin.
The condition may sometimes become severe to an extent that almost the entire skin loses its colour. In such a scenario, doctors sometimes recommend removing the pigment from the unharmed areas. This process causes the non-white areas to fade somewhat as the skin colour is the same throughout, which is a better option cosmetically than having a patched skin. De-pigmentation should however be done only when no other option is available, and any potential negative effects must be carefully considered.
Vitiligo treatments that use herbal or natural medication are also offered. Peppermint oil and a naturally occurring substance called Ginkgo biloba are frequently used in such therapies. Several cosmetics, which hide the white patches, can also be found, and a specialist should be able to recommend some good products.
Even though a lot of research is still required to identify the true causes of this skin disorder, these Vitiligo treatments can offer both long and short-term relief to the patients. Considering the recent revolutionary changes in biotech, a permanent cure for Vitiligo is a certainty.
About the Author:
Was this article helpful for you? If so be sure to take a look at new vitiligo treatment or smartlipo for further great tips.
