Vitiligo: How to Stop It From Spreading

Around 1% of the population is affected by vitiligo. The good news is that vitiligo is not considered life-threatening. Although this condition has no specific cure, there are ways to control the symptoms and prevent them from worsening. However, in severe situations, vitiligo will likely spread from one person to another if not treated properly. Thankfully, there are some methods by which one can prevent this from happening. 

Through this guide, we will discuss some effective ways to prevent vitiligo from spreading and keep things under control. To draft this post, we had a discussion with Dr. Shikha Aggarwal, the best dermatologist in Ludhiana, who has shared her crucial insights to make this post informative. Let’s begin with learning what vitiligo is and its causes and symptoms. 

What is Vitiligo? 

Vitiligo is an autoimmune condition that causes the skin patches to lighten and appear milky white in color. The condition can occur when the immune system appears in the melanocytes (skin cells that make the pigment). Vitiligo tends to affect all areas of the body but, most commonly, it appears on areas such as the genitals, knees, elbows, hands etc. 

Vitiligo: What Causes Them? 

Vitiligo occurs if the melanocytes die or stop functioning. The exact cause of vitiligo is not known, though it is associated with multiple autoimmune diseases. Other factors that cause vitiligo include genetics, oxidative stress, certain chemicals, stress, hormonal changes, skin trauma, diet, etc. 

What are the Symptoms of Vitiligo? 

Vitiligo presents as white spots, which are more common in individuals with dark skin. Discoloration first appears on areas most exposed to the sun, such as hands, arms, face, etc. Following are the other signs and symptoms of vitiligo: 

• Loss of skin color inside the nose and mouth 
• Pigmentation at the edges of the discolored patches on the skin 
• White patchy lesions 
• Premature graying of hair

Are you experiencing the symptoms discussed above? Get a complete evaluation of the skin by consulting a skin expert. You can schedule a consultation with Dr. Shikha Aggarwal, a top skin doctor, renowned for offering the best vitiligo treatment in Ludhiana at her facility, Bliss Laser Skin Clinic. Now let’s learn the tips to stop vitiligo from spreading. 

 How Can I Stop Vitiligo From Spreading? 

Following are some of the ways that can help prevent vitiligo from spreading:

1. Protect Yourself From the Sun

Sun exposure tends to trigger vitiligo. Therefore, wearing a cap or sunscreen is vital to stay protected. Avoid spending too much time in the sun for longer periods. While it might appear to be an easy solution at first glance, white skin requires protection from UV rays. Also, one must wear protective clothing during sunny times to block the sun's rays from reaching the exposed areas. Avoid sheer fabric as they let sunlight through.

2. Remain Stress-Free

Stress is also considered a vital factor that aggravates vitiligo, so it is important to limit hormone cortisol levels to avoid triggering a flare-up of symptoms. One must do yoga or meditation for relief for at least 30 minutes every day. Trying aromatherapy oils such as lavender also helps to reduce anxiety.

3. Stay Healthy

Vitiligo patients are likely to experience health problems such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure, etc. So, it is important to take utmost care of your health. This can be done by eating well, getting enough sleep, and exercising on a daily basis. These practices can ward off any additional symptoms that might arise from vitiligo.

4. Light Treatments

Light treatment or phototherapy helps restore color to areas of the skin with depigmentation. The treatment is administered in the skin specialist’s office and begins with exposing the entire body to UV (ultraviolet) rays for 15 minutes. Light treatment aims to stabilize vitiligo and helps to reduce its symptoms.

What are the Treatment Options Available For Vitiligo?

If one is experiencing vitiligo, an expert skin doctor will recommend the following treatments:

1. Lifestyle Modifications: Besides treatment, the right skincare and lifestyle changes can help.

2. Oral Medications: Immune-modulating medications help to block the faulty signals in the immune system which causes inflammation. For instance, stress can function as a barrier, hindering the efficacy of even the best treatments. Additionally, there is less possibility of stopping the spread of white spots if abnormalities in the thyroid and blood sugar levels exist. It is also possible to prevent early lesions by lowering the chance of skin friction. Other triggering factors include infections, irritants, etc. Sun protection is equally important.

3. Light Therapy: Light therapy, also known as phototherapy, is one of the most common treatments for vitiligo. Light therapy involves exposing white patches of skin with laser treatments. Most individuals achieve effective results with light therapy. However, the results often disappear within 1-4 years. To maintain the results, 2-3 treatment sessions per week are required.

Final Thoughts

If one notices white patches on their skin, they must get in touch with a dermatologist right away. The treatment could be helpful at the initial stage when a small area of skin gets affected. It is also important to wear sunscreen to protect the area which is affected by vitiligo.

To get an effective vitiligo treatment, one can consider consulting Dr. Shikha Aggarwal, a top skin doctor in Ludhiana at Bliss Laser Skin Clinic. Depending on the severity of the condition, she will recommend treatments such as oral medications, lifestyle changes, or light therapy.

For more details, visit Bliss Laser Skin Clinic today.