Development of pale areas of skin more vulnerable to sunburn is known as vitiligo. There could be several reasons behind it, including autoimmune conditions, family history of vitiligo or severe skin damage, or prolonged exposure to hazardous chemicals.
Who are at the most risk?
You may face an increased risk of getting non-segmental vitiligo if
- If you have a family history of vitiligo
- A family history of autoimmune disorders such as pernicious anemia or other autoimmune conditions.
- If you have suffered from Melanoma or non-Hodgkin lymphoma in the past.
- Particular impairment in genes that are known to be linked to Non-segmental vitiligo.
Possible Treatments
- Medication
Certain prescription medications that are available in the market can help in restore the color of your skin; these could be from the corticosteroid family as well; these medication work best for people who recently developed the condition; being corticosteroids, the medication cannot b used for more extended periods, when used in short periods these provide the best results.
- Tarcolimus ointment or pimecrolimus cream
This medication does not belong to the corticosteroid family and hence can be used for longer periods of time; these work best for the skin on the head as well as on the neck. Another medication known for lost pigment is calcipotriene; not effective when used alone, but it can lead to positive results when used with an ointment of the corticosteroid family. Applying both these medications as directed can increase the amount of repigmentation one sees in their complexion.
- Medication You Can Take, Oral Medications
Vitiligo tends to spread slowly, but occasionally, it spends up rapidly all over the skin; in case you are witnessing new patches and spots on your skin, your dermatologist might prescribe Prednisone, a medication that can reduce the rate at which the disease is growing, it mostly comes in a pill form, most doctors prescribe it for one or two weeks.
- Light Therapy
In this therapy, the affected skin area is exposed to ultraviolet light that can restore the natural skin color. In case a large area of the body needs treatment, the doctor might advise for phototherapy. In case the spots are more minor in size a, laser therapy can also help; a laser can specifically target a single area without any effects on the other skin regions. The treatment works best to correct pigmentation in the face and neck. The lips, tips of fingers, and toes are least responsive to treatment with light therapy.
- Stem Cell Therapy for Vitiligo
Auto reactive CD8+ t – Cells are the primary suspects that are considered to be responsible for the destruction of melanocytes. The topical use of autoimmune inhibitors, including those derived from the MSCs thanks to their immune-modulatory properties, have been reported to successfully promote repigmentation. MSCs can suppress the proliferation of CD8+T via the NKG2D pathway, including T –cell apoptosis. Pharmacological agents which reduce cellular oxidative stress with the topical application of antioxidants and growth factors have also been in use. Intravenous administration of MSCs have shown to regulate the level of reactive oxidative species in a mouse model. For Stem Cell Therapy in India, Stem Cell Care India could be your best alternative. Their highly trained professional doctors can make sure that the treatment you receive is up to spec and all-inclusive of all possible treatment options for early results.