eCureMe logo
  eCureMe home eCureMe log In Sign Up!
eCureMe Life : Your Healthy Living. Click Here!
Welcome, eCureMe.com medical contents search February 27, 2014
       eCureMe Life
       Medical Supplies
       Calorie Count
       Self-Diagnosis
       Physician Search
       Message Board
      E-mail Doctor
      E-mail Veterinarian
      Self-Diagnosis
      Health-O-Matic Meter
      Calorie Count
      Natural Medicine
      Vitamins & Minerals
      Alternative Living
      My Health Chart
      Diseases & Treatments
      Atlas of Diseases
      Sexually Transmitted
      Diseases
      Drug Information
      Illegal Drugs
      Lab & Diagnostic Tests
      Internal Medicine
      Women’s Health
      Pediatrics
      Eye Disorders
      Skin Disorders
      Headache
      Mental Health
      Radiology
      Neurology
      Allergy
      Resource Links
      Physician Directory
      Dentist Directory
      Hospital Directory





Vitiligo

more about Vitiligo




Abnormal
  • Vitiligo is a skin problem in which some areas of skin appear lighter than others.  It affects about 1% of the population.

  • The affected areas appear as "white" or "pale" patches of skin.
  • Usually it does not cause any symptoms.
  • It mostly affects the person's appearance cosmetically.
  • However, these areas are more sensitive to sunlight and burn easily, which may eventually lead to skin cancer.

  • Vitiligo is due to a problem with melanocytes, the cells in the skin that carry color.  In the regions where the skin is lighter, there is a lack of these special cells.

  • Examination -- the doctor may easily recognize the typical "white patches" of discolored skin.
  • If needed, a special light may be used to examine the suspected area, or the doctor may choose to examine a scraping of the skin under a microscope.   If the diagnosis is still not known, a biopsy may be in order.

  • Treatment for Vitiligo is difficult.  Treatment is primarily to help with the cosmetic appearance.
  • Cosmetic makeup such as Covermark or Dermablend may be used to cover the "white" areas.
  • If less than 20% of the skin surface is involved, a medicated cream with Methoxsalen may be applied and the area is exposed to ultraviolet light.  The medicine is then washed off.  People treated with this medicine must use a SPF 15 sunscreen when outdoors.
  • If more than 20% is involved, Methoxsalen is given by mouth, followed by treatment with ultraviolet light.  Patients must be careful outdoors, as severe sunburns may result from Methoxsalen use.
  • This treatment is best for the face and chest.  Fingertips and genital areas do not respond well.
  • Years of therapy may be needed.
  • Some patients have been treated with large doses of steroids to good effect.
  • Newer, more promising surgical treatments are being studied.


  • Special Information
    1. Vitiligo has been seen more often in people with Hypothyroidism, Hyperthyroidism, diabetes, pernicious anemia, and Addison's disease.
    2. Skin cancers are more likely to develop with Vitiligo, so regular check ups with the doctor are advised.
    3. Areas of light skin are more sensitive to sunlight and should be protected with SPF 15 (or greater) sunscreen when exposed to the sun.





more about Vitiligo


If you want your friend to read or know about this article, Click here






medical contents search

Home   |   About Us   |   Contact Us   |   Employment Ad   |   Help

Terms and Conditions under which this service is provided to you. Read our Privacy Policy.
Copyright © 2002 - 2003 eCureMe, Inc All right reserved.