Vitiligo, also known as leukoderma (sometimes spelled leucoderma) or vitiligo disease, makes sufferers persevere a mysterious skin disease that is chronic, complex and still not fully understood. Currently, research indicates it may be caused by a combination of genetic, autoimmune and environmental factors.

Vitiligo Disease

Vitiligo Disease manifests itself through an odd and irregular pale pigmentation of the skin. It is estimated to occur to approximately 1 to 2 percent of the total population. Unlike some people might stereotype, it can occur to anyone of any race, gender or ethnic background.

It most commonly begins in early adulthood and first appears on extremities (fingers and toes). Despite its irregular pattern, it often appears in symmetrical manner. So if you develop pale blotches on a specific left finger, the vitiligo may likely appear very similarly and in a similar location on the same finger on your right hand.

Some de-pigmented skin can re-pigment, so often times the shape and position of a developing vitiligo case can seem nebulous and evolving.

Just as it can change the color of body and facial hair where it occurs, Vitiligo on the scalp can sometimes cause hair color to change over time, creating a streaking effect.

Currently Vitiligo is closely associated with autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, most often thyroid underexpression or overexpression.

Vitiligo Treatments

Vitiligo Treatments are currently a hodgepodge of experiments and cover-ups in the form of vitiligo makeup. For the time being, some of the best and most inexpensive treatments address the appearance without addressing the underlying problem.

Here are some common treatments to get you started:

• Some studies indicate vitiligo disease patients exhibit a positive response to taking a vitamin B complex everyday.
• Some theories suggest trying Folic Acid (1mg), Vitamin E (600 IU), and ascorbic acid (1000 mg) each day.
• In some cases, a Vitamin D ointment (obtained by prescription) may assist you to find your vitiligo cure.
• Many doctors prescribe a tacrolimus ointment .1% for 4 to 6 months to help treat vitiligo. Please do not try such drugs without your doctor’s recommendation.
• Topical cortisone vitiligo treatments were more common in the 80s. While it has been shown to help in many Vitiligo disease cases, it also has exhibited some consistent side-effects, so please discuss with your physician before proceeding.
• As I stated before, since there really is no easy vitiligo treatment, you should consider cover-up cosmetics such as Chromelin Complexion Blender, Dermablend and Covermark….
• King’s College London has discovered how piperine, a substance derived from black pepper, can help repigment skin. It appears that piperine may be able to repigment skin by stimulating previously inactive melanocytes in skin. While some studies have been done, the effectiveness of piperine for vitiligo in humans is still somewhat uncertain.

More aggressive vitiligo treatments include the following:

• A PUVA (Psoralen) light treatment has exhibited a high success rate in reason years. But note that this vitiligo treatment can be very time-consuming. For it to be effective, you’ll need to visit the office several times (often 3 to 5 times) per week for 20 to 30 minutes of treatment. You must maintain this for 12 to 16 months to achieve a good response.
• In more recent years, many doctors are moving to a Narrowband UVB (or NB-UVB) vitiligo cure. Some studies indicate it may be as effective as the PUVA light treatment but it may still be simpler and more safe. PUVA light treatments are also being used to treat psoriasis.
• Some more extreme cases of vitiligo won’t respond to light treatment. In this case doctors may treated your vitiligo skin disorder with Benoquin (requires a prescription). However, this aggressive medication will cause a permanent lightening of dark skin and thus you should only rely on it as a last measure.

I hope this provides you a quick yet comprehensive guide to the most common techniques to address vitiligo disease.

As I develop this site, I will help you learn how to address this condition in both direct and cosmetic manners. I will also address the common psychological effects of this frustrating and bewildering disease. I hope I can empower you with the knowledge and confidence to face vitiligo with confidence.