Vitiligo is a melanocyte (pigment cell) disorder, which results in areas of the skin or hair losing their pigmentation It can affect people of any race, age or gender.

Global incidences vary between 0.5 to 2 percent. However, the impact is often more visible among ethnic groups with darker skin, due to the sharper contrast between the depigmented areas and normal skin.

The precise cause of vitiligo is unknown, although it is thought to be an autoimmune disorder. This means that the patient’s immune system attacks the melanocytes ( pigment cell) in the skin. It is not clear however, what causes the immune system to react that way. Genetics are thought to play a role as between 6 to 38 percent of patients have a family history of the disorder.

There are no proven measures to prevent vitiligo. However we know that vitiligo can appear in areas of the body that have been injured by cuts, abrasions or burns. As such, those who have vitiligo should try to avoid any kind of repeated trauma to themselves especially the extensor area of their limbs.

• Creams
  Topical steroid creams are effective in up to 50 percent of patients. Results are usually seen in the first three months of treatment. However, as these creams can cause side effects such as thinning of the skin, patients should be regularly monitored by a skin doctor.
  

  Immunomodulator creams such as tacrolimus and pimecrolimus work by reversing the immune attack on the pigment cell. As they do not contain steroids, they can be used for longer periods.

• Ultraviolet light (phototherapy)
  Those with moderate to severe vitiligo can be treated with ultraviolet light known as ultraviolet radiation B (UVB) phototherapy. Patients are exposed to narrow band UVB rays in a light box two to three times a week. This treatment is safe for all including children and pregnant women, as no oral medication is involved. Excimer lasers can also be used to treat patients with vitiligo. Their advantage is that one can treat single patches, thus sparing the non- affected skin. The laser is administered twice a week. Significant repigmentation of up to 75 percent has been reported in more than half of patients treated, with areas on the face responding best.
• Surgery
  Surgical options, in the form of tissue or cell grafts, can be considered when topical and light therapies have failed. Only stable cases, where there are no new lesions or progression of existing lesions for 12 to 24 months are suitable for grafting.

Our fees for first consultation starts from $90 - $180.

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