Vitiligo Repigmentation
Vitiligo is a condition that causes depigmentation of sections of skin. It occurs when melanocytes, the cells responsible for skin pigmentation, die or are unable to function. The cause of vitiligo is unknown, but research suggests that it may arise from autoimmune, genetic, oxidative stress, neural, or viral causes.The incidence worldwide is less than 1%. The most common form is non-segmental vitiligo, which tends to appear in symmetric patches, sometimes over large areas of the body.
What causes vitiligo?
The pigment that gives your skin its normal colour is melanin, which is made by cells known as melanocytes. In patches of vitiligo the melanocytes are absent, and the reason for this is not fully understood. However, vitiligo is considered to be an ‘autoimmune’ condition in which the body’s own immune system rejects some of its own tissues (melanocytes in the case of vitiligo). Consistent with this, thyroid disease and other autoimmune conditions are more common in individuals with vitiligo. It affects men and women of all races equally, but is most obvious in people with dark skins. It is not infectious. There is no medical evidence of any link between diet and vitiligo.
Is vitiligo hereditary?
Yes, vitiligo has a genetic basis, although only about a fifth of those with vitiligo know of someone in their family who also has it. The exact type of inheritance has not yet been worked out. If you have vitiligo, it does not necessarily follow that your children will develop it too.
What are the symptoms of vitiligo?
These fall into two groups:
1. Natural sunlight causes sunburn of the pale areas very easily.
2. Those affected by vitiligo may find it a cosmetic embarrassment, especially when it affects normally exposed skin. Vitiligo will stand out more obviously when the surrounding skin is tanned or in naturally dark-skinned individuals.
Vitiligo is not an itchy or sore condition.
What does vitiligo look like?
Vitiligo consists of skin that totally lacks the normal melanin pigmentation, and is thus completely white. It is usually symmetrical. The skin otherwise feels entirely normal. The most common sites for vitiligo are the hands and face, around body openings (the eyes, nostrils, mouth, umbilicus and genital regions), and within body folds such as the underarms and groin. When hair-bearing skin is involved, the hair may lose its pigment. Repigmentation often commences around hair follicles, initially giving a rather speckled appearance.
How will vitiligo be diagnosed?
The diagnosis is usually easy to make by its appearance. Occasionally, examination under an ultraviolet lamp is helpful, especially in light-skinned people. Once the diagnosis of vitiligo has been made, your doctor may want to take a blood sample to check for thyroid disease and for other autoimmune conditions.
Can vitiligo be cured?
At present, there is not a guaranteed cure for vitiligo, although treatment may be helpful.
AAC Elite Ink Studio's Solution:
If Vitiligo has been in remission for 1 year, our medical tattooing techniques can be used to skillfully camouflage the de-pigmented skin. Small areas are recommended for this procedure. Unfortunately large areas are not recommended due to the long term commitment of treatments and expense.
If for some reason you are not a good candidate for Vitiligo Repigmentation we can supply you with makeup cover-up that works extremely well for Vitiligo. Our Paramedical makeup does not wash off and can be custom blended to be a perfect match for your skin tone. Please contact us for a consultation to find out which system works best for you.