Types
I. Non Segmental vitiligo (NSV) – Focal, a mucosal, acrofacial, generalized,universal
II. Segmental vitiligo (SV)
III. Mixed vitiligo – Segmental + non segmental
Dr. Deepti Ghia is specially trained in vitiligo for several years. She has worked with stalwarts in the field of vitiligo and is highly skilled in the management this disorder. She has presented papers on Vitiligo in various National and international Conferences. She has done her training at Henry Ford Hospital- Detroit, USA and at PGI Chandigarh. Both institutes are well known for working extensively in this field. Vitiligo is an acquired de-pigmenting disorder characterized by a chronic and progressive loss of melanocytes from the epidermis and follicular reservoir. Exact cause of the disorder is still unknown. A combination of factors which include genetic predisposition, disturbance in immune system, environmental triggers and other known and unknown exogenous precipitating factors are thought to be responsible for the development of vitiligo.
Types
Medical Treatments
Medical Treatments
Best results are achieved on the face and on patches with pigmented hairs. Non hairy areas and patches with grey hairs respond poorly to medical treatments.
- Topical corticosteroids
- Topical calcineurin inhibitors
- Topical Psoralens
- Phototherapies
- Photochemotherapy
- Narrowband UVB (NB UVB 311nm)
- Excimer laser (308nm) VIII.Oral steroid mini pulse therapy
- Oral Immunosuppressants
- Antioxidants
Surgical Treatment
Surgical Treatment
Melanocyte Transplantation
Melanocyte transplantation is the latest surgical method for the treatment of stable vitiligo/leukoderma and loss of pigmentation. Melanocytes are the skin cells which produce melanin. A complete absence of skin colour usually means that the melanocytes have been destroyed. Thanks to an innovative treatment, it is now possible to take melanocytes from a healthy area of skin and transferring them as cellular suspension onto the de-pigmented patches of skin. This process can be performed in a clinic within a couple of hours.
Depigmentation therapy
Depigmentation therapy
When all the treatment modalities available for repigmentation fail, depigmentation therapy can be considered.
It is important to note that since no cause is known there is no permanent cure for vitiligo/leukoderma. The disease can be treated to achieve re-pigmentation of vitiligo patches, but it cannot be cured from the roots.
