Vitiligo Treatment in Bangalore

Vitiligo treatment cost in Bangalore starts from Rs 500 per spot

Vitiligo is a skin condition that causes white patches to appear on different parts of the body when the skin loses its natural pigment. It affects many people, but not everyone truly understands what it is or how it can be treated.

For someone, it may feel like just a cosmetic concern. But vitiligo can also impact confidence and emotional well-being.

With advanced options now available, finding the best treatment for vitiligo in Bangalore is easier than ever. At Dixit Dermatology, patients receive expert care from one of the best dermatologists who is known as the best doctor for vitiligo treatment in Bangalore.

What causes vitiligo?

Vitiligo is caused by an autoimmune condition, where the body’s lymphocytes attack and destroy the melanocytes, the cells of the skin which produce melanin (the brown pigment of the skin). Thus, there is a loss of pigmentation, and the skin appears white. 

Though the cause is autoimmune, there may be genetic and environmental factors that play a role in the development of vitiligo. Smoking and stress also have a negative impact on the development of vitiligo.

• Autoimmune Reaction - Vitiligo often occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own pigment-producing cells. These are known as melanocytes. This leads to the appearance of white patches on the skin.
• Genetics - Family history plays a role. As certain genes can make a person more likely to develop vitiligo. If a blood-related person has the condition, the chances of you getting it will increase.
• Oxidative Stress - Happens when there is an imbalance between harmful free radicals and the body’s defense system may damage melanocytes. This stress can contribute to the loss of skin pigment.
• Neurogenic Factors - Sometimes, nerve endings release certain chemicals that may be toxic to melanocytes. This can interfere with the skin’s natural pigmentation process.
• Environmental Triggers -  These factors include sunburn, exposure to chemicals, or even emotional stress. They can trigger or worsen vitiligo in people who are already prone to it.

How Does Vitiligo Start and Progress?

Vitiligo can affect anyone. Regardless of age, gender, or skin type, the white patches may start appearing. It usually begins with the appearance of small, pale patches on the skin. They often start on areas like the hands, face, or around body openings. 

Over time, these patches may slowly spread. Sometimes the patches remain limited to just a few areas. For some people, the condition progresses gradually. While in others, it can spread more quickly. 

The course of vitiligo is unpredictable. In some, the patches may expand, stabilize, or in rare cases, regain some natural color. The way vitiligo spreads, is different for every individual. But for each case, early diagnosis and the best treatment for vitiligo in Bangalore can help manage its progression and improve skin health.

Where Do Symptoms of Vitiligo Appear?

Vitiligo patches can appear on any part of the body. Just that some areas are more commonly affected, such as:

• Hands – Often one of the first places where white patches are noticed.
• Feet – Patches may develop on the toes, ankles, or tops of the feet.
• Arms – Commonly seen on forearms and elbows.
• Face – Especially around the eyes, mouth, and other facial features.
• Mucous Membranes – Inside the mouth, lips, and nose can show depigmentation.
• Genital Areas – In some cases, vitiligo may affect sensitive regions.

What are the types of vitiligo?

Vitiligo has been classified based on where it is located: generalized (when it is present all over the body), localized or segmental ( when it is present only over a particular area of the body), acral (only on the fingers or toes, and lips). It can be also differentiated as stable (when no new patches have appeared for over a year) or unstable.

• Generalized Vitiligo - This is the most common type. White patches appear on different parts of the body, often in a symmetrical pattern.
• Segmental Vitiligo - In this type, patches appear only on one side or one area of the body. It usually develops at a younger age and tends to progress for a limited time.
• Focal Vitiligo - Here, depigmentation is limited to just one or a few small areas. It does not spread widely across the body.
• Acrofacial Vitiligo - This type affects the fingers, toes, and areas around the mouth, eyes, or nose. This is where pigment loss is most noticeable.
• Mucosal Vitiligo - It affects the mucous membranes, such as the lips or inside the mouth, leading to white patches in these sensitive areas.
• Universal Vitiligo - A rare and severe form, where depigmentation covers most of the body’s surface, leaving little normal skin color behind.

What Are The Treatment Options For Vitiligo?

Vitiligo does not have a one-size-fits-all cure. Only with the right approach, its appearance can be managed effectively. Depending on the extent, location, and progression of the patches, different treatment options may be recommended.

• Topical Corticosteroids - These are creams or ointments that can help restore some skin color, especially if started early in the condition.
• Calcineurin Inhibitors - Used as an alternative to steroids, these medicines work well on sensitive areas like the face and neck, with fewer side effects.
• Phototherapy - This involves exposing the skin to controlled ultraviolet (UV) light, which helps stimulate pigment cells and improve skin color.
• Surgical Interventions - In some cases, procedures like skin grafting or melanocyte transplantation are used to restore pigment in stubborn patches.
• Depigmentation Therapy - For people with widespread vitiligo, this treatment lightens the remaining skin to create a uniform appearance.
• Cosmetic Options - Makeup, self-tanners, or skin dyes can be used to camouflage white patches, boosting confidence and appearance.

What are the laser and light treatments for vitiligo?

• The effect of light on the skin is well described. Narrowband UVB light and UVA light have immunosuppressive effects localized to the skin and epidermis and can be used to help control and repigment the depigmented skin. However, multiple sessions, up to three times a week are needed for 12 to 16 weeks to see improvement. 
• Excimer laser light at 308 nm is an effective treatment to help repigment vitiligo. 

These treatments can be used alone or in combination with medical treatments or after surgical management to enhance the results. These treatments can be used in stable and unstable vitiligo.

What are the surgical treatments for vitiligo?

The idea of surgical treatments of vitiligo is the transfer of viable melanocytes or cell suspensions from one part of the skin to the area of vitiligo. The area from where the viable melanocytes are harvested is called the donor area. The area of vitiligo where the treatment is done is called the recipient area. 

• The cells can be harvested as an Ultra-Thin Split Skin graft, where a thin layer of skin is harvested. However, this can be used to cover only small areas of vitiligo, like on the lip.
• Mini punch grafting was the method used earlier and is largely discontinued due to the availability of newer surgical treatment techniques. 
• Non-cultured melanocyte cell suspension technique has now become the gold standard for the surgical treatment of vitiligo. This method uses a cell suspension from the donor area, and it can be used for a recipient area up to 9 to 10 times the size of the donor area. 

The drawback of any surgical technique is that they cannot be used to treat unstable vitiligo.

What are the cosmetic camouflage options for vitiligo?

The treatment of vitiligo can be long drawn and some patients desire immediate camouflage to conceal their skin problem. Numerous cosmetic creams that are long-lasting and give significant cover are now available for these patients.
Dermal micro-pigmentation or tattooing for vitiligo is another option for someone who desires quick results. 

What are the Risk Factors of Vitiligo?

While vitiligo can affect anyone, certain factors may increase the chances of developing the condition. Knowing these risk factors can help in early detection and timely care.

• Family History – Having close relatives with vitiligo or autoimmune diseases increases the risk.
• Autoimmune Conditions – People with thyroid disorders, type 1 diabetes, or other autoimmune issues are more likely to develop vitiligo.
• Age – Although it can occur at any age, vitiligo often appears before the age of 30.
• Stress or Injury – Severe stress, skin injuries, or sunburns can sometimes trigger or worsen vitiligo.
• Chemical Exposure – Coming into contact with certain chemicals may contribute to the onset of vitiligo.

Tips Recommended By Dr. Rasya Dixit To Take Care Of The Skin With White Patches

Managing vitiligo is not only about medical treatments. It is also about adopting the right skin care practices. Dr. Rasya Dixit, one of the best dermatologists for vitiligo treatment in Bangalore. She often recommends the following tips to help patients care for their skin:

• Phototherapy (UV Treatments) – Controlled exposure to UV light under medical supervision can help stimulate pigmentation and restore some skin color.
• Topical Medications – Creams and ointments, like corticosteroids or calcineurin inhibitors, can reduce inflammation and encourage repigmentation.
• Combination (Light + Medication) – Using phototherapy alongside topical medicines often gives better and faster results for vitiligo patches.
• Antioxidant & Dietary Support – A diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals can help reduce oxidative stress, which is one of the factors in vitiligo.
• Camouflage & Depigmentation – Cosmetic solutions like makeup or self-tanners can cover patches, while depigmentation may be suggested in extensive cases.
• Minimize Skin Trauma & Irritants – Avoid frequent injuries, friction, or harsh chemicals on the skin as they may trigger new white patches.
• Strict Sun Protection – Using sunscreen daily is essential to protect sensitive depigmented skin from sunburn and further damage.

How much does vitiligo treatment cost in Bangalore?

Vitiligo treatment cost in Bangalore starts from Rs 500 per spot

Vitiligo treatment cost in Bangalore starts from Rs. 500 per spot. The final cost depends on several factors such as the type of surgical procedure, the size and location of the vitiligo patches, the number of grafts required, the patient’s age, and the experience of the dermatologist or surgeon.