Living With Vitiligo. This Skin Disorder May Occur with Thyroid Conditions.

Vitiligo affects the skin and is possibly caused by an autoimmune deficiency although the actual cause is not known. The condition affects the melanin in the skin causing random, blotchy white spots on the skin.

People who have dark skin and suffer this condition display more noticeable patches, however, it is the randomness of the spots and the parts of the body affected which define what the condition is. Vitiligo is not just pigmentation and in many cases is very obvious.

Initially the skin may seem to have peeled after tanning but as more spots appear, a visit to a doctor or dermatologist will confirm the diagnosis of this disease, which involves a loss of melanin, the skin pigment that determines skin colouration.

Vitiligo can manifest at any age, it may occur together with Addison's disease, Hyperthroidism or Anemia. A rare skin condition, it may run in families but in many cases there may be no apparent cause.

People who suffer the condition must be very careful when they are outdoors as the spots will burn and are more prone to skin cancers. Sunscreen should be applied whenever outdoor activities are undertaken and hats, as well as good covering clothes, are a good idea as well.

TREATMENTS

Treatments for Vitiligo are difficult and largely ineffective with many sufferers just living with it, deciding there are worse things in life. There are many products that "mask" the spots, some people adjust their diet to slow the progress of the condition and many others try all sorts of "cures" without too much success.

Treatments that are available work best as an early intervention. Ask your doctor or dermatologist about the best treatment course for your vitiligo.

• Phototherapy - using ultraviolet light to slowly regain the pigment. The process is slow and can be expensive depending on severity of the spots. Dermatologists perform this and recommend being treated 3 times per week initially.
  
• Medicines - Corticosteroid cream applied directly to the patches. Also immunosuppressant creams and topical drugs.
• Make up - Some make up is available that may cover or mask the patches of vitiligo. Many sufferers use tinted sunscreens that help with sun exposure as well as masking the patches.
  
• Skin grafts - in extreme cases skin grafts are used to cover larger patches on areas such as the face that may be prone to sun damage.
• Depigmentation - A final resort. This may result in uniform skin tone however no melanin remains, therefore the skin is prone to sun damage. Rumours abound that this is the treatment the Late Michael Jackson resorted to, which in turn gave him a more uniform skin tone, albeit a much lighter tone. Those who consider this treatment must wear sunscreens for the rest of their lives and remain out of the sun as much as possible.

Products That May Help - Consult Your Dermatologist Regarding Which Product is Best for Your Condition

Novitil® from DermaBest,Inc - http://www.dermabest.com/

Novitil is a topical product applied directly to the skin.

SCENESSE® - http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/198954.php

A new drug being developed in Australia. Still undergoing testing as it was initially developed for sun protection

Note: Vitiligo causes low self esteem or depression issues in sufferers hence there are many products claiming to "cure vitiligo". Please beware when such claims are made as there currently is no cure. The above is only a short list of products available just on the web, please consult a medical expert before starting a new product.

Many people who have this condition may suffer some negative emotions related to their "unsightly" spots. Depending on the severity of the patches, especially where the face is affected, self esteem issues may occur.

Age is also an issue, the younger a person suffers vitiligo, the more aware they are of their appearance, hence problems occur with their self esteem. There are some cases where the condition can look unsightly and people think they can 'catch' the disease if they touch a sufferer. This is borne from ignorance of the condition but does cause many negative issues in the sufferer who may go to many lengths, and much expense, to cover the spots.

There are stories of sufferers considering suicide due to being teased and bullied about their looks and some of staying indoors at all times so as not to be seen. All this leading to many other emotional problems such as depression.

Vitiligo is just a skin disorder, it cannot be caught and other than being careful in the sun, there is really not much else to worry about. Teasing or abusing someone because they have an uneven skin tone is just horrendous and childish.

One famous sufferer was the Late Michael Jackson and we all know how much emotional pain and depression he experienced, some of which may have been due to vitiligo and his skin 'whitening'.

The first patch of white skin appeared approximately ten years ago on my neck, something I thought was just peeling skin after a short summer holiday. At the same time some areas of my skin became itchy, especially my legs. The itch was so severe I scratched until it bled.

A trip to my local GP and a blood test confirmed a diagnosis of Hyperthyroidism, causing the excessive itch and possibly the vitiligo. The thyroid problem is under control with Thyroxine tablets, which is hormone replacement therapy and this also helped settle the itch. The vitiligo however cannot be controlled and has occurred on my legs, hands and elbows as well as the neck area.

My experience with the condition has not affected my self esteem, nor have I spent lots of money on trying to cover it, other than using sunscreens to protect my skin. I guess this has much to do with the fact I was diagnosed in my early forties and am not too hung up on my appearance, well, not to the point a younger person may be anyway. Had viitiligo affected me when I was in my teens, I would have had a very different emotional reaction.

Occasionally I see people stare but they don't really bother me as I am happy in my own skin (pardon the pun) and just get on with life. I do consider myself lucky in that my vitiligo is mild compared to some, and, my face has not been affected to date.

It is understandable when people who suffer the condition become upset if others comment or stare, it can be quite confronting as there is not much that can be done, a frustration for many sufferers. People without the condition must understand you cannot catch vitiligo, it is an autoimmune disease that affects approximately 1 - 4% of the world's population, so the chances of 'catching' vitiligo are non-existent.

Interestingly enough, since being diagnosed with the condition I know of six others who live in my area with the condition, for a rare disease, that is quite amazing. Of the 6, 3 suffer thyroid problems as well.

Having a thyroid problem does not necessarily mean you will develop vitiligo but the conditions can occur simultaneously. Consult your local physician should you suspect a random spot on your skin may be vitiligo or you are suffering a problem that may be Thyroid related, such as excessive tiredness or sudden weight gain/loss.

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