The Adverse Effects of Vitiligo
For a person affected by vitiligo, the first few white patches
that appear on his skin can be quite tolerable. These patches
usually appear in patterns. These patterns have three forms. One
is the focal pattern wherein depigmentation occurs in a limited
area. Second is the segmental pattern wherein patches appear
only on one side of the body. Third, which is probably the worst
one, is the generalized pattern wherein the depigmentation
occurs in different areas of the body. Adding to this is the
uncertainty of how the vitiligo will spread.
For some people, the white patches spread gradually while for
some, in quick succession. Some findings say that emotional
distress can cause the affected areas to increase in number.
Common areas of appearance are the armpits, groin, around the
mouth, eyes, nostril, navel, and genitals. A person with
vitiligo may also have premature graying of the scalp hair,
eyelashes, eyebrows, and beard.
There are several treatments for vitiligo patients. There are
medical therapies, surgical therapies, and adjunctive therapies.
Under medical therapies are topical steroid therapy, topical
psoralen photochemotherapy, oral psoralen photochemotherapy, and
depigmentation. Surgical therapy, on the other hand, include
skin grafts from a person's own tissue, skin grafts using
blisters, micropigmentation or tattooing, and autologous
melanocyte transplants.
Lastly, for adjunctive therapies, one can use sunscreens and
cosmetics. To supplement these said therapies, one may opt take
support vitamins.