Vitiligo (Leucoderma)

Vitiligo, also known as leucoderma, is a skin disorder in which part of the skin takes on a ‘bleached’, pale appearance. The word is pronounced with the stress on the last ‘i’, making it sound something like ‘vittle-AIgo’

Causes of Vitiligo

The causes of vitiligo are poorly understood, to an extent that is unusual for such a common condition. There is almost certainly a strong genetic element, meaning that some families will be much more predisposed to vitiligo than others. Identical twins will, if they have vitiligo, sport patterns of depigmentation in similar positions on their bodies - strong evidence for a genetic basis.

Things aren’t quite that simple, though. For a start, vitiligo isn’t tied to any one, but to several on different chromosomes.

Then there’s the fact that vitiligo isn’t inevitable for anybody. Some 70% of vitiligo sufferers do not have any known family history of the condition. Admittedly, that figure may be masking a number of people who have vitiligo in their family without knowing it, but it is possible that for some sufferers there is simply no genetic link. Vitiligo doesn’t begin at birth (this is one factor distinguishing it from the otherwise similar ‘piebald trait’). We aren’t sure whether there is anything you can do either to avoid vitiligo entirely, but you can increase your likelihood of suffering it by exposing yourself to certain chemicals.

How To Treat Vitiligo

There is no sure-fire way of eliminating vitiligo, but there are various ways to alleviate it. The first choice is not to treat the underlying condition, but to conceal it through the use of make-up.

Another vitiligo remedy is to expose the affected area to Ultraviolet light. Either UV-A or UV-B forms of Ultraviolet can be used for this process.

A more involved treatment is ‘depigmentation’. Depigmentation could be the best vitiligo treatment if over 50% of your body is covered with vitiligo. The process involves using a chemical to bleach the pigments out of the entire body.

Pitfalls of Vitiligo Treatment

You should be aware that if you look for vitiligo treatments online, you are at risk of falling into disreputable treatment. You would be well advised to avoid vitiligo tab.

Rather than looking for a vitiligo remedy directly, you might be better advised to connect with online vitiligo support groups, which will be able to help you to seek out both reliable information and emotional support. Vitiligosupport.org is one of these, and might make a good place to begin your search.

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