Vitiligo: myths and facts

Vitiligo is a disease that has no risk to human life, but it can cause serious discomfort. There is not considered to be a cure for vitiligo, but that isn’t quite true. There are some methods for noticeably improving the condition. This information is about vitiligo treatment myths.

One, two, three

There are three main myths about vitiligo treatment. The first and the most absurd is that this illness has absolutely no cure. Medicine is constantly developing, and new treatments appear every year to treat diseases of all forms. Vitiligo is no exception.

The second myth has to do with the medication Psoralen, used internally, and it’s dangerous and toxic effects on the liver. There are a high number of medications that have a strong impact on the liver, but Psoralen is not one of them.

According to the third myth, complex treatment, including Psoralen and UVA therapy, carry a risk of causing cancer. Phototherapy is quite a complicated procedure that requires responsible attitudes. But if you are following all the rules and recommendations, there is no risk to your health.

No more myths!

Today you can follow several simple rules to reduce the symptoms of vitiligo:

• No tanning… at all. The less you are exposed to the sun, the less visible the contrast between spots and healthy skin, and the disease will become less noticeable. To protect your skin, you should use a sunscreen with SPF no less than 30. Cons: in summer, you will look like Dracula, who is hiding from the bright sun. Aristocratic paleness doesn’t fit everyone. This tip will work only for people with light skin.

• Using cosmetics. For some patients, this method will work, especially if vitiligo isn’t very spread and the size of the spots allows you to disguise them with regular make-up (tanning cream, foundation). Cons: not permanent, troublesome.
• Creams with corticosteroids. You can try this method only after consulting a doctor. However, the result won’t make everyone happy. If your skin hasn’t responded well to this treatment during two-three months, then this method won’t work for you. Cons: requires constant monitoring by a doctor.
• Using Oxsoralen. This treatment method is allowed only under the supervision of an experienced doctor in the hospital since the drug is highly phototoxic. Cons: if you use it without professional supervision, you will do more harm than good.
• Treatment with narrowband UVB lamps. It is considered the most effective way in treating vitiligo. Since UVB lamps have become so compact in size, it is possible to treat vitiligo at home. Just don’t forget to consult your doctor. Only the doctor can help you to correctly choose a treatment plan.

Why is vitiligo treatment so important?

Self-esteem and fitting in society are very important for everyone. A disease like vitiligo can be a pretty bad obstacle for self-realization. The disease is quite unpleasant, with pale spots showing up on the body, limbs, face and other parts of the body. Vitiligo can affect the head, and it will look like simultaneous discoloration of the scalp and hair area.

It is very important to have the help of a professional psychologist, in addition to a medical specialist, who will help you to cope with the disease, and teach you how to react correctly to society and how to overcome a depressed state of mind.

A mandatory and primary action for any disease is to search for an experienced doctor. It is the only way to get a correct diagnosis and to prepare a course of rehabilitation that will correctly calculate the required number of sessions. Ask your doctor about vitiligo UVB lamp.

If you ignore it and prefer self-treatment, the results can be very negative. Important: any treatment depends on the precise following of the specialist’s instructions in order to achieve the best result.