Vitiligo, a skin condition characterized by loss of pigmentation, affects millions of people worldwide. It is not a contagious or a medically serious concern. The affected individuals show persistent white patches on various areas of their skin. The condition significantly affects their appearance and even results in a considerable emotional and psychological impact. Thankfully, skin doctors can provide the best help. They can perform accurate diagnoses and provide suitable vitiligo treatment in Bangalore.
Dr. Rasya Dixit, a top-rated dermatologist at Dr. Dixit Cosmetic Dermatology Clinic, provides assistance to individuals looking for vitiligo management. This will help them identify and confirm the best treatment plan to achieve a healthy skin.
What is Vitiligo?
Vitiligo is one of the types of hypopigmentation or depigmentation skin concerns that typically affect one before the age of 30 or maybe later in life. It is the result of the death of melanocytes or their non-functioning.
Melanocytes are the specialized skin cells that are responsible for the skin’s natural color. They produce the colored pigment called melanin. Several factors are believed to inhibit the production of melanin and contribute to the development of vitiligo.
The contributing factors include autoimmune response, genetic predisposition, and environmental factors like chemical exposure, sunburn, or stress.
For some, vitiligo patches develop on one side or a specific area of the body (segmental vitiligo), while for others, both sides of the body get affected (generalized vitiligo). Non-segmental or generalized vitiligo typically affects the skin of the hands, feet, face, and areas around the body openings.
Diagnosing Root Cause of Vitiligo Is Important
Identifying the underlying cause and type of vitiligo is crucial for dermatologists when developing an appropriate treatment plan for vitiligo. An individual’s specific vitiligo condition is evaluated during the initial consultation with a skin doctor.
Evaluation includes assessing the type and severity of vitiligo, the rate of progress of the condition, and any associated symptoms or conditions.
To rule out overlapping skin problems, blood work or skin biopsy might be recommended. After a comprehensive evaluation, the dermatologist selects the treatment that best serves the individual's needs.
Top Treatments of Vitiligo Recommended by Skin Doctor
Traditional to advanced, and even emerging, skin medical services are available for treating vitiligo with a dermatologist. The vitiligo treatments in Bangalore by Dr. Rasya Dixit generally focus on restoring the skin’s natural color, delaying or halting the progression of the condition, or improving physical appearance.
Long-known common approaches for vitiligo include:
- Topical corticosteroids- These can help reduce skin inflammation and may help in the skin’s re-pigmentation.
- Topical calcineurin inhibitors- These are a safer alternative to corticosteroids, often preferred for the treatment of patches on sensitive areas of the skin, like facial skin.
- Phototherapy- Widespread vitiligo can be treated by narrow-band UVB light, which activates the melanocytes.
- Skin camouflage- This involves masking the depigmented areas with makeup or tanners.
These treatments require a long-term commitment from the patient and may produce inconsistent results. Thankfully, with technological advancements in dermatology and cosmetology, there are now more effective, targeted treatments available for vitiligo.
Besides going for these physical treatments, the patients living with vitiligo should be offered the best counseling and support groups and even cognitive behavioral therapy. Optimal treatment outcomes are possible with a tailored, multi-modal approach.
The top advanced dermatologist-recommended treatments for vitiligo are:
- Excimer Laser Therapy - It is a precision phototherapy treatment preferred for limited areas of vitiligo.
- JAK Inhibitors- These, in topical or oral form, have been shown to halt the non-segmental vitiligo progression and encourage re-pigmentation, particularly when used alongside phototherapy.
- Skin Grafting and Melanocyte Transplantation- This is a surgical, permanent solution for stabilized, localized vitiligo patches. It involves the grafting of healthy skin or transplanting melanocytes to the depigmented areas of the skin to re-pigment them.
- Combined microneedling - Microneedling creates controlled micro-injuries in the skin. This stimulates melanocyte activity and re-pigmentation. The results are better when it is done in conjunction with P-RP, exosomes, growth factors, and phototherapy.
- Depigmentation Therapy - This treatment is reserved for patients who have 50% or more of their body covered with vitiligo patches. Monobe-nzone or another agent is commonly used to get rid of other pigmented areas and make the whole body skin in the same tone.
The upcoming novel treatments for vitiligo are:
- St-em cell therapy- It aims to regenerate the damaged melanocytes, thus naturally restoring pigmentation.
- Gene therapy- CRISPR may help edit genes responsible for vitiligo.
- Oral and systemic therapies- These include biologics used in other autoimmune conditions.
Which Vitiligo Treatment is Right: Factors to Consider
Dr. Rasya Dixit can help determine the best-suited treatment for vitiligo after knowing the following:
- Patient’s age- Topical corticosteroids are unsafe for small children with vitiligo.
- Extent and type of vitiligo - Topical treatments are suited for small, localized vitiligo patches, while phototherapy is more effective for widespread vitiligo.
- Skin type and sensitivity - Individuals with sensitive skin may experience side effects from the use of certain topicals or require lower doses of UVB exposure.
- Personal preferences- Some vitiligo patients may opt for minimally invasive treatments with minimal downtime, discomfort, and side effects.
- Medical records - Underlying illnesses or existing allergies can affect the choice of treatment.
Choose Dr. Dixit Cosmetic Dermatology Clinic, A Reputable Vitiligo Clinic in Bangalore
Dr. Dixit Cosmetic Dermatology Clinic offers a comprehensive range of services to help patients achieve evenly toned skin and feel more confident in their appearance.
To explore the most effective and affordable vitiligo treatment cost in Bangalore, customized to your skin needs, consult with Dr. Rasya Dixit today.
FAQs on Vitiligo Treatment
Is vitiligo painful or itchy?
No, it typically does not cause pain or irritation.
Does vitiligo spread?
It may spread over the years, but at varying rates for each individual.
Does stress trigger vitiligo?
Yes, emotional stress may cause or exacerbate vitiligo.
Can individuals with vitiligo safely go outside in the sun?
Yes, but sunscreen is essential to cover depigmented areas.
Is vitiligo associated with other illnesses?
It may be related to autoimmune diseases such as thyroid disease.
For more details consult Dr. Rasya Dixit, an expert who provides best vitiligo treatment in Bangalore. With her tailored treatment options she has helped many to achieve a healthy skin.
