Vitiligo Laser Treatment – Excimer Laser for Vitiligo

Posted on February 28th, 2010

An Innovative Laser Solution for Vitiligo

A new advance in laser technology now restores normal pigmentation to diseased skin areas in patients with vitiligo. Vitiligo is a chronic skin condition characterized by loss of pigmentation in the skin secondary to dysfunction or death of melanocytes, the cells that give the skin its color. Physicians believe that glitches in the immune system or the nervous system may damage or obliterate the melanocytes.

Vitiligo affects 1-2% of the population. Pigment lossoccurs before the age of 20 in about 50% of vitiligo sufferers. The localized patches of depigmented skin, often occurring around the eyes and mouth, become totally white. The white blotches can be particularly disfiguring cosmetically, especially for people of color. Additionally, the affected skin loses the protective effect of the melanin or pigment, becoming very sensitive and susceptible to damage from ultraviolet rays.

Vitiligo Laser Treatment

The Excimer laser, emitting monochromatic ultraviolet B light, allows vitiligo patients to effectively treat the affected areas with a rapid return to normal pigmentation. The more profound penetration of the UVB light using a fiber optic system stimulates any melanocytes that still exist to ramp up production of melanin pigment.

In a recent clinical trial, patients with vitiligo underwent treatment to affected skin areas with the Excimer laser three times a week. Fifty-seven percent of the treated areas showed limited to full repigmentation in as little as two weeks. Treatments typically consist of a series of laser sessions over approximately six weeks, during which time slow improvement occurs.

Because the Excimer laser can cover up to 20% of the body surface in five minutes, the treatments are relatively quick to perform. They are painless, requiring no anesthetic, and there are very few side effects. Clinical studies have indicated that the Excimer laser treatments are most successful on the face and neck, and least successful on the extremities. Pretreatment of all areas with Tacrolimus, an immune modulating ointment, enhances the results in most cases.

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Naturally Reclaiming Your Skin From Vitiligo

Posted on February 15th, 2010

Leukoderma, more commonly known as vitiligo, is an unsightly skin condition. The white patchy discolorations of skin are formed from the absence of the cells required for the pigment melanin. These chalky white blotches can cover most of the body and mirror its pattern from arm to arm and leg to leg. When found on the scalp it can cause the hair follicles to turn white. Although, vitiligo has been associated with other ailments, it in itself is not life threatening. Nevertheless, vitiligo can have a devastating effect on one’s self-esteem and confidence.

For those who are unfamiliar and uneducated about this skin disorder, it can cause negative unprovoked responses from the general public in reaction to its grotesque appearance. Many who quietly suffer form vitiligo often attempt to conceal affected areas of their skin with the use of hats, long sleeved shirts, and gloves.

Unfortunately, for those who seek traditional treatments of this skin condition, prescription medications are not always the most effective or best solution. Furthermore, their consumption often comes with unwanted and undesired side effects. However, the good news is there are some natural homeopathic methods to treating vitiligo that can yield better and more positive gains toward restoring pigmentation of the skin without susceptibleness to further health complications.

The first and most pivotal step to treating vitiligo, is to recreate healthy skin conditions that will promote internal and external healing. There are many natural supplements available that will aid in this process. Vitamin B5 and a vitamin B complex will be important for restoring skin pigmentation, texture, and tone. The ayurvedic herb picrorrhiza may help reduce the size and number of white skin blotches. Furthermore, para-aminobenzoic acid (commonly known as PABA) can help stop hair discoloration.

In addition, vitamin A and silica are beneficial to promote the formation of new skin and collagen. Zinc also supports collagen production and can be conveniently taken in a lozenge form. Together, these nutritional supplements can naturally improve the skin and reduce the discolorations associated with vitiligo. As a precautionary measure. Care and consideration should be taken when beginning a new diet or supplement regimen. Please consult your physician or health care provider prior to starting a program to treat vitiligo, especially if you are currently taking medication, pregnant, or nursing.

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UVB Treatment For The Skin Disorder Vitiligo – Phototherapy

Posted on February 9th, 2010

UVB Treatment For The Skin Disorder Vitiligo – Vitiligo is a common skin disorder affecting one out of hundred people. The exact cause of this disease is not known. Vitligo presents itself in the form of white patchy spots in the skin. This disease doesn’t have other symptoms and it’s not considered a serious health threat, but it’s important to schedule an appointment with a Dermatologist to get an expert diagnosis to find out what treatment is ready available to someone with this disorder.

Often, people that don’t understand this non-contagious disease shun those affected with this condition. A person may distance themselves from large crowds fearing rejection and torment. Vitiligo doesn’t discriminate against men or women of any age or race. Anyone can be afflicted with this abnormality. Although this disease may not cause any physical pain, but the emotional pain of this condition runs deep.

Even though there is no cure for the disease itself, there are treatment options to explore, for Vitiligo. One can begin to regain the pigmentation back into their skin and stopping or slowing down the already slow progressing disease. There have been such cases where people have opted to have the pigmentation remove from the remainder of the skin that has yet to be effected, just wanting to feel normal and excepted in society. With this procedure continue treatment want be needed and harmful medicine may not be necessary, but there is one drawback to depigmentating the skin.

Once you have removed the coloration from the skin there is no going back this is a permanent solution, to Vitiligo. Which may resemble someone with albinism, but Vitiligo is not as severe as albinism. It would be in one’s best interest to discuss with a professional what would be the best course of action for this disorder.

Phototherapy that has been shown effective in treating, Vitiligo. There is UVB treatments where the body will be exposed to ultraviolet radiation. All items of clothing will need to be removed, and the person will stand in an isolated cabinet or booth. These long fluorescent bulbs used in special lamps are attached to each side of the cabinet were designed to give the body full coverage.

This line of treatment has shown impressive results, but the progression of this phototherapy, using broadband or narrowband UVB, (the popular choice) is a relatively slow process. Patience, may be needed to follow through with this form of treatment. It may not produce instant results a few session will be required, but you will receive normalcy in your life and regain your confidence back.

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Natural Treatment for the Skin Disorder Vitiligo

Posted on February 7th, 2010

Vitiligo is a skin disease that affects the largest organ of the body, the skin. This disease affects men and women of all ages and race. One begins to lose the pigmentation of the skin causing blotchy, white spots to appear. If this should occur make sure to get a proper diagnosis from a licensed Dermatologist. This disease poses no serious health risk, but may lower one’s self esteem.

Vitiligo disorder is mainly a cosmetic concern, but has caused some to become withdrawn from society, fearing ridicule. There have been cases where people with the disease, covering have their bodies have made the decision to have the pigment removed from the areas that have, yet to be effected. There is not an exact cause for this disease, it has been known to be hereditary. Normally the progression of the disease is relatively slow. For this reason it gives a person time to find remedies to treat this skin condition before it advances.

There are no known cures for this disease, but there are natural treatments for Vitiligo to regain some of the pigmentation back into the skin and possibly prevent any further discoloration of the skin. Rather, then having to experience harmful side effects of prescription drugs, painful laser treatments or harsh chemicals. The natural treatment will restore the confidence that may have been lost due to the skin disorder, Vitiligo. The need to cover-up the skin with make-up or items of clothing will be a thing of the pass.

The natural substance Psoralens found in celery, figs, parsley have shown promising results in decreasing and possibly eliminating the white patchy spots associated with this disease. Ingesting such foods with Psoralens causes the skin to naturally become sensitized. The effect that Psoralen has on the skin of someone with Vitiligo is the same effect sunlight has on someone without the disorder.

Once a non-effected person is exposed to the sun tanning occurs, enhancing color. Well the same results can occur with someone with Vitiligo when they ingest foods containing the natural substance Psoralens, they may regain pigmentation in their skin, but Psoralen is a potent substance so it may be necessary to do a little research or discuss it with your Dermatologist. If one treatment doesn’t give the results desired don’t get discourage and give up try another method. It’s important to stay optimistic when treating the skin condition, Vitiligo.

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Vitiligo Symptoms And Treatment

Posted on February 5th, 2010

Vitiligo is a skin condition in which light colored patches develop on areas of the skin. This occurs as a result of depigmentation (lack of pigment) in the affected areas. In its initial stages, symptoms of vitiligo are oftentimes followed by a period where there seem to be no progression of the condition. Later on however, additional signs of pigment loss become apparent.

While the condition is not accompanied by pain or itching, it can be a source of distress, especially for individuals of dark complexion. These light patches are more easily seen on darker skin. Vitiligo symptoms, in individuals of lighter complexion, may be evident only in the winter time, when the affected skin stands out against the skin areas that have been tanned.

The patches are common on areas more exposed to sun light such as the face, neck, hands and genitals. Sun burns are common symptoms of vitiligo, as patches are usually sensitive to sun exposure. Other areas often affected are the inside of the mouth and nose. In extreme cases, vitiligo can develop on the scalp, causing the hair in the affected area to turn white or grey and may even fall out.

Symptoms of vitiligo often appear on both sides of the body (symmetrical patches). These patches are commonly present on the arms, knees, elbows, eyes and on the back of the hands. In other cases, only one half of the body is affected. Vitiligo may also spread over the entire body in rare cases.

Determining whether these patches will spread and how fast they may spread, can be tricky. It is reasonable to anticipate the appearance of more of these patches. For some individuals, this happens quicker than it does for others. Generally, if the patches appear symmetrically on more than one areas of the body, the conditions may progress slowly. Usually when the patches are present on only one area of the body, the condition may progress more rapidly.

In making a diagnosis, a physical examination is required. In a dark room, using Ultraviolet light, the doctor will observe the affected areas. With the presence of vitiligo, there will be no color and the skin will appear white, without pigment. The doctor may also remove tissue or cells from the body for analysis.

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Types and Treatments For Vitiligo Skin Disorders

Posted on February 5th, 2010

Vitiligo is a skin disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. The most common sign of this disorder is white patches of skin in various places on the body or more rarely, over most of the body. While this isn’t a deadly disorder, it is psychologically painful, and damaging to a persons mental well being. There are three types, and various treatments for each, we’ll discuss them here.

The most common type, generalized vitiligo, usually starts around the hands, arms, legs, feet, or occasionally on the face. It will start with a rapid depigmentation of patches of skin, sometimes stopping for periods of time, but can continue for a lifetime.

In the type of vitiligo called segmental, the blotches tend to be located in one segment of the body. This type also tends to develop at an early age, and only progress for a year or two. This type is sometimes called unilateral vetiligo due to the fact that it generally is contained on one side of the body.

The third type, trichrome vitiligo, is defined by three shades of color on the skin. White, tan, and brown will develop in much the same manner as generalized vitiligo.

On rare occasions, the pigmentation of the skin returns without treatment of any kind, and in some cases, the skin will turn completely white. Even with the return of the skin color, the person is still said to have vitiligo, but most cases come in between these two extremes, and is very often sucessfully treated.

Often, avoiding any kind of tanning situation can aid in camouflaging the disorder, but there are cases where the results aren’t satisfactory. At these times any number of treatments may be recommended depending on the severity, type, and patient preference. These treatments may include topological ointments and creams, ultraviolet light exposure, both UVA, AND UVB have been used successfully.

In some patients the vitiligo skin disorder may be so extensive that removing the remaining pigment is a more viable treatment option, and in other cases surgery to replace the affected area’s skin with skin that has healthy melanocytes. These are the cells responsible for producing melanin, the chemical that oxidizes and provides pigmentation.

No matter the cause or type of vitiligo skin disorder that a person may be afflicted with, it can be demoralizing, and lead to depression, stress, and complicate other medical conditions that may exist, and is a condition that can be improved on through therapy, and treatment quite successfully.

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How To Stop Vitiligo Spots ?

Posted on January 31st, 2010

My daughter is now 12 years old. In February 1999 on the skin, in low part of stomach, on hips and on the back along the backbone line, we have observed small bright discolor spots that started to appear and to grow. Doctors (dermatologists) said that it is VITILIGO. They made many laboratory tests in hospital but they didn’t find reasons. (The tests of thyroid included).

Doctors tried external treatment direct oh the skin, next they tried SUCCUS HIPERICI oral treatment and PSORALEN+UVA radiation but as a result of this treatment, skin became to blush and they had to stop it. The spots didn’t disappear. For next several months nothing new happened until February 2000. Since this moment number of spots and their dimensions was increased, especially on the stomach area and tree days ago on the neck.

I would like to know, is it because of a grown up period (puberty?)? Is any real help for her? How to stop this process on the skin? Please, send me any information what I ought to do? What do you think about oil from seeds of “psoralea corilifolia” from India? Did someone have any good results?

Answers to How To Stop Vitiligo Spots?

• You know I always wondered the same thing about puberty as this fellow mentions. Both of my girls started to develop their vitiligo at the onset of puberty. They say it is not linked to hormones, etc, but I will always wonder. Now that she is 15, I always hope that it will stabilize. She does have progression but it seems to be very slow. There are so many variables.

• Mine started with puberty as well (around 14 years of age)… I am currently on hormone treatment (not vit-related) and I haven’t noticed any change in my vitiligo since I started this treatment (approx 5-6 months).

• Me too. I wonder about the particular stages in life being responsible for the onset of vitiligo myself. And you said it – so many variables! We just don’t have anywhere to start from.

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How Long Does It Take To Cure Vitiligo?

Posted on January 31st, 2010

I have been recommended to use protopic ointment to cure vitiligo- I have small white patches around my lips. I have been using it for about three weeks now but I have not noticed any difference. Any ideas on how long it might take to cure vitiligo? Also any ideas on how good is protpic ointment for treating vitiligo?

Answer 1 – Time taken to Cure Vitiligo

My kid has vitiligo too, and we uses protopic 0/03% twice a day(morning/evening). I am really worry about her future, and because this is new treatment like doctor said. We only use for 3 days until now.

So i am really anxious to know how good protopic treat the white patches, and how long does it take effect. God bless my kid. Thanks, Robert

Answer 2 – Time taken to Cure Vitiligo

I think it takes different time for different people. Don’t expect overnight success or you will be crushed. It can take months. I’ve been using Protopic for 10 months and still NOTHING.

But stress and impatience only make it worse. The key to success, IMHO, is PATIENCE. Pritopic is useless without it. Good luck Owen.

Answer 3 – Time taken to Cure Vitiligo

Hi… my daughter saw doctor today, and he gives us a other one called elidel, and mentioned this one may better than protopic. Because my daughter is only four years and half, and he mentioned it may be regarding another problem, and finally it will be changed when she grows up. right now we use elidel instead of the protopic to try three weeks to see what is happened.

My question is that did anybody try to use elidel to treat kids vitiligo, or any case like the skin color will be changed back like doctor said.

I decided if the things will not be changed, we will change to use protopic to see what happened. The advantages are my kid is too young, and she did not know the things and very happy this time, and this is the most important thing for treatment. God bless my kid Thanks, Robert

Comment – How long does it take to cure vitiligo?

It’s been over a month now since I started applying protopic and I have seen some very minor improvements as a result of it. My doctor sees this as a positive sign and has recommended that I continue this treatment for another two months.

Thanks to everyone who responded to my original post.

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How To Cure Vitiligo?

Posted on January 31st, 2010

My question is very simple how to cure vitiligo? my mothers vitiligo is at very intial stage, the area below her eyes is getting reddish..and eye lash of her one eye is completely turned white.. me and my family is very upset by this situation.. and doctor has also confirmed the allergy as vitiligo. Now i simply want to know,how to best cure this diseases. what to avoid,,what to do? what medicine should she take and what other things we should do to stop this thing to spread more. i desperately need help… regards

Answer – How To Cure Vitiligo?

1. Number one..there is no “cure”
2. Number two..vitiligo is NOT an allergy..it’s an auto immune defciency of the blood & immune system that causes the white blood cells to see the melanin ( skin coloring) as “foreign” and therefore they attack and remove the melanin.
3. Go to www.vitiligosupport.com they have FAQ there for any questions you may have about treatments..vitamins..and related illnesses that sometimes go hand in hand with vitiligo. I have had vitiligo since 1996………and now about 60 percent of my skin is depigmented or white…I chose to continue depigmenting the rest of my normal colored skin..but please go to the site..you will find answers..and seek a dermatologist who can better help your mother with a treatment. Narrow band UVB works extremely well from what I have heard from my own doctor. At any rate..I wish you luck – Frannie

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