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How to prevent Vitiligo?

Learn about various treatments like corticosteroids, light therapy, and surgical options to manage vitiligo and protect your skin from further pigmentation loss.

  • 23 Oct 2024
  • 3 min read
  • 39 views

Introduction

White patches caused by vitiligo are the product of insufficient melanocytes. Your skin colour is caused by melanin, a photoprotective pigment made by melanocytes.

A high melanin accumulation produces darker skin, while a low melanin accumulation produces lighter skin.

It is believed that vitiligo may be the result of an autoimmune disorder in which immune cells target melanocytes, though the exact cause of the condition is unknown.

Ways to prevent vitiligo

Here's how to prevent vitiligo:

1. Corticosteroids

Anti-inflammatory corticosteroid creams or ointments applied topically, particularly in the early stages, can aid in the restoration of pigmentation in the affected areas. For patients with a rapid increase in vitiligo, the doctor may also recommend brief courses of oral corticosteroids or corticosteroid injections.

On the other hand, over time, corticosteroid creams may thin the skin and result in stretch marks. Oral corticosteroids may raise the risk of cataracts, mood swings, weight gain, and skin thinning.

2. Calcineurin inhibitors and vitamin D analogs

When applied topically, calcineurin inhibitors like tacrolimus and pimecrolimus can restore pigmentation to the affected areas of the skin, giving the complexion an even tone. Analogues of vitamin D, like calcipotriene, can also be applied.

Mild cases of vitiligo are typically treated with these topical ointments. Although there isn't a chance of skin thinning like there is with corticosteroids, these drugs' long-term effects aren't fully understood.

Inhibitors of calcineurin, such as tacrolimus and pimecrolimus, can restore pigmentation to the affected areas of the skin, resulting in an even complexion. It is also possible to apply analogues of vitamin D, such as calcipotriene.

3. Light Therapy

There are a variety of light therapies or phototherapies that can help manage vitiligo and prevent its active spread.

An example of such a treatment is narrow-band ultraviolet B therapy. Light therapy is more effective when combined with other medications or as part of a chemotherapy regimen.

A number of adjunctive treatment modalities are available, including khellin, muskmelon extract-based gels, psoralen, azathioprine, prednisolone, calcineurin inhibitors, and corticosteroids. Additionally, the doctor may recommend sessions with an excimer laser or PUVA therapy (psoralen and UVA).

4. Depigmenting agents

The dermatologist may suggest lightening or depigmenting the unaffected skin if the white patches cover a large area and do not respond to any repigmentation treatment. By using depigmenting or bleaching agents such as monobenzone and hydroquinone, your skin can be lightened to match the areas affected by vitiligo.

5. Needling

In needling, numerous surgical needles are inserted into the affected area using a medical-grade roller. In some cases, skin needling can improve the pigmentation of white patches.

It is often necessary to use needling once the spread of vitiligo has been controlled and other treatments have failed to repigment the skin.

6. Surgery

If the problem of vitiligo is localized, segmented, or stable, surgical treatment is recommended, especially if it affects areas such as the dorsal fingers, ankles, foreheads, and hairline, which are difficult to repair.

Repigmentation may be performed through punch grafting, noncultured epidermal suspensions, suction epidermal grafts, thin dermo-epidermal grafts, or cultured epidermis with melanocytes.

7. Zinc and copper

The serum zinc levels of people with vitiligo are low, a micronutrient essential for cell repair, immune function, and cancer prevention. A healthy level of zinc in the body also contributes to the production of melanin in the skin.

8. Use Sunscreen

Under harsh sunlight, vitiligo-affected areas may easily burn, so avoid excessive exposure to the sun. Sunscreens with an SPF of at least 30 should be used.

Zinc- and titanium-based gels, ointments, or moisturizers can protect your skin from sun damage and reduce the pigmentation difference between affected and unaffected areas.

Conclusion

Individuals with vitiligo are affected differently by autoimmune disorders, oxidative stress, and vitamin deficiencies. Vitiligo does not yet have a cure, but several treatments may be able to control its spread. Additionally, you can also consider taking health insurance.

Even though vitiligo does not pose a direct threat to your health, it is associated with an increased risk of sunburn.

Obtain advice from your physician regarding the appropriate treatment method for you, its pros and cons, and any other adjunct treatments you may wish to pursue for better management of your condition.

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your general physician or another certified medical professional for any questions regarding a medical condition. Relying on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk, and ICICI Lombard is not responsible for any effects or consequences resulting from the use of the information shared.

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