Vitiligo: What It Is and How To Treat It

Vitiligo is a relatively uncommon skin disease, estimatedThere are several treatments that may be used to
to affect about one percent of the entire worldattempt to get your melanocytes to resume
popularity. The primary symptom of vitiligo is whiteproduction of melanin.
patches of skin, which may grow to cover large partsOne treatment involves grafting healthy skin (with
of the body or even the entire body. This disease isfunctioning melanocytes) into the affected areas.
most frustrating when it is on visible areas of skin, suchOther methods involve using ultraviolet light to stimulate
as the face.the patient's melanocytes. One of the most promising
The symptoms of vitiligo are caused bytreatment options uses a laser to stimulate the
non-functioning melanocytes, which are the cells in yourmelanocytes. This method is showing excellent results
skin responsible for producing melanin, the primarywith minimal side effects.
pigment in your skin. When the melanocytes are shutThere are also natural approaches to treating vitiligo,
down and melanin production stops, your skin loses itsmost notably herbal and homeopathic approaches.
pigmentation, and turns white.Both herbal and homeopathic approaches involve
Doctors and researchers are not yet completelyattempting to address the root problems, usually
certain exactly what causes vitiligo. They do know thatrelating to the immune system, digestive system, liver,
genetic factors play a role in a person's susceptibility.kidneys, and also using topical products to target the
They also believe that it is, or can be, an auto immuneskin itself.
disease, meaning that your body's immune systemThe truth of the matter, however, is that there is no
attacks and damages your melanocytes, which thencure for vitiligo. Treatments are available to treat the
causes the vitiligo.symptoms, but there is no cure to address and
Since doctors are not certain of the cause, mostremove the root problems.
treatment options involve treating the symptoms.