Vitiligo Treatment (White Patch)

Also known as leucoderma, simply means white (leuco) skin (derma), i.e: a disorder where the skin loses its normal color. Due to destruction of the melanin (pigment), the normal skin starts loosing pigments from various parts of the skin, in a varying speed and extent.

Symptoms

The typical appearance of Vitiligo is a milky white de-pigmented spot or spots. It may vary from a single white spot to multiple spots. The shape too is a variable. In some cases generalized de-pigmentation observed all over the body. It has a tendency to start as a single spot and gradually grow in size and number. It may present with a single or several spots on limbs or abdomen or back and then spreading to other parts of the body.

Treatment

Treatment of vitiligo usually takes a long time. In certain cases treatment helps arrest the spread of de-pigmentation and may bring back the pigmentation in some cases. In majority of the cases, medical therapy only achieves stabilization of the spread but re-pigmentation does not occur. To achieve re-pigmentation where the vitiligo is stable and does not spread various dermato-surgical techniques are used.

Laser Treatment

PUVA is an acronym for psoralen, a light-sensitizing medication thathelps enhance skin re-pigmentation. An oral or external application psoralen compound is given to the patient. The de-pigmented patch on his body is exposed to Ultraviolet-A (UVA) rays for a specific duration.

Alternative to UVA is exposure to sun rays. The latter is known as PUVA SOL therapy. Treatment with UVB rays is another option. The most recent treatment is the use of Excimer laser.

Surgical Methods

Different methods are available and selection of the appropriate surgical technique for the best results.