Vitiligo affects millions of people globally. If you notice that your skin develops white patches for which the cause is unknown, then that could be a symptom of vitiligo; it is suggested to seek immediate help from a dermatologist. Addressing vitiligo symptoms early with proper treatments can stop the further spread or appearance of white spots/patches in different areas. These treatments can only help reduce or eliminate the appearance of existing white spots/patches. But what many vitiligo patients are unaware of is that early vitiligo treatment in Bangalore can help.

What is Vitiligo?

Vitiligo, a pigmentation disorder characterised by spots or patches of white skin, is a lifelong autoimmune condition. It is the result of the destruction of the natural melanin pigment-producing cells- the melanocytes, by the immune cells. Melanin is responsible for imparting natural color to the skin, hair, and mucous membranes. In severe vitiligo cases, the discoloration extends beyond the skin to the hair, inside of the mouth, and the mucous membranes.

How Early Treatment for Vitiligo Helps?

• Restores natural skin color- Treating the area where white patches/spots have newly appeared can help restore the natural color of the skin.

• Delays the progression of vitiligo- Topical treatments, when started early, can help prevent the quick spread of vitiligo patches.

• Reduces skin inflammation- Early vitiligo treatments focus on reducing the skin inflammation, which is known to cause loss of the melanocytes.

• Ensures effective, less time-consuming treatment- An initial treatment of vitiligo will focus on clearing small, localised vitiligo patches. Thus, the treatment will be targeted and less time-consuming.

Different Treatments for Vitiligo

• Topical corticosteroids- These help reduce skin inflammation and stimulate re-pigmentation of the treated skin.

• Calcineurin inhibitors- Tacrolimus and pimecrolimus are the immunosuppressant topicals. They can be applied to small areas to suppress the immune action and the death of melanocytes.

• Narrowband UVB phototherapy- The UV-B light, when focused onto the vitiligo patches, stimulates the melanocytes to start producing melanin pigments, thereby re-pigmenting the white patches. This therapy can even encourage the melanocyte stem cells to differentiate and migrate to vitiligo-affected skin and restore the natural pigmentation. The UV light can upregulate melanogenesis by increasing tyrosinase production and even enhance signalling for promoting melanin production. It is best for large patches of vitiligo.

• 308nm Excimer laser therapy- This is more targeted than narrowband UVB phototherapy. When combined with microneedling, which causes a micro-trauma to the skin, the re-pigmentation process is enhanced.

Get Vitiligo Treated with Dr. Rasya Dixit

Got white spots or small, localised white patches? Start with topicals and phototherapy or laser therapy, after consulting with Dr. Rasya Dixit, best skin specialist in Bangalore. With patience and early, suitable treatment, you can best manage your vitiligo symptoms and skin health.