Vitiligo is the most unexplored pathology in the field of dermatology. It is customary to classify the disease as a disorder in the production of the pigment melanin in the body by immune factors. Let's figure out what kind of disease - vitiligo. What are the characteristic signs of the development of the disease? What are the causes of the formation of pathology? How to treat vitiligo with the use of pharmacological agents and methods of traditional medicine?
General information
Vitiligo - what is this disease? The essence of the problem is the formation on the surface of the epidermis of unattractive discolored spots due to the destruction of the coloring pigment melanin. Similar neoplasms can occur in various parts of the body. Most often, vitiligo occurs on the face, upper and lower extremities.
The phenomenon remains a mystery to researchers. Certainly, it is only known that the formation of characteristic white spots on the skin provokes malfunctions in the functioning of organs and systems, contact with all kinds of chemicals, poor heredity, adverse environmental factors, etc.
Vitiligo is usually a disease acquired during life. Even in the case of poor genetics, the disease may not occur in children. Since the hereditary factor with good health and the absence of serious diseases is often not enough.
According to statistics, only about 1% of the world's population suffers from vitiligo disease. The problem usually makes itself felt in people aged 10 to 30 years. Young children rarely suffer from pathology. The same applies to old people, if earlier they did not have a tendency to form an ailment.
Causes of the disease
What are the causes of vitiligo? The following external and internal factors can lead to the destruction of the melanin pigment in the tissues of the epidermis:
- Autoimmune failures - inhibition of the protective functions of the body during the development of various pathologies. Such violations lead to improper performance by the antibodies of the functions assigned to them. The phenomenon causes the destruction of the coloring pigment, which is perceived by the immune system as a pathogenic substance.
- Trophic disorders are another cause of vitiligo, the essence of which is the presence of mechanical damage to the skin in the form of injuries, the formation of scar tissue. It is also possible to change the shade of the epidermis under the action of sunburn. The last factor is activated in the spring-summer period.
- Congenital predisposition. Vitiligo in children can make itself felt with the genetic inheritance of pathology. In this case, the tendency to develop the disease is transmitted to the child from the parents.
- Malfunctions in the functioning of the organs of the gastrointestinal tract - white spots of vitiligo are often manifested with dysbiosis, stagnation of bile, and depression of the liver. These factors lead to a delayed breakdown in the body of nutrients that are required to produce the melanin pigment in the skin structures.
- Endocrine Disorders Skin discoloration may be due to a decrease in the activity of the pancreas, ovaries, and pituitary gland.
- Contact with harsh chemicals. Vitiligo in children and adults is often manifested in the destruction of melanin by formaldehydes, phenols, and various reagents. As a rule, this happens due to the unreasonable use of cosmetics of dubious quality.
- Overdose of pharmacological agents. Unauthorized medication without the approval of a doctor can trigger reactions in the body that cause melanin destruction. First of all, we are talking about the abuse of antibiotics. After all, they contain active elements that not only destroy pathogenic bacteria, but also destroy the beneficial intestinal microflora.
- Pathology of the thyroid gland. According to statistics, vitiligo in adults in 10% of cases is due to the occurrence of so-called toxic goiter, as well as the formation of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
Clinical picture
The initial stage of vitiligo is manifested in the formation of rounded discolored spots on the skin. The latter have small dimensions - about a third of a centimeter in diameter. Over time, the area of neoplasms increases. The spots acquire a pronounced milky hue and contrast against the background of healthy areas of the epidermis. It is noteworthy that the vitiligo foci have a smooth surface and never peel off. Outwardly, the skin looks absolutely normal, not taking into account atypical pigmentation.
A characteristic sign of vitiligo is also the discoloration of the scalp. At the same time, a sick person does not complain of discomfort, does not experience any unpleasant sensations, in addition to cosmetic inconveniences. In some cases, unhealthy pigmentation may undergo the whole body. However, this happens extremely rarely.
Surgery
The operational way to solve the problem involves the transplantation of healthy skin into affected vitiligo areas. The method is resorted to in extreme cases. Most often, the option is practiced if the treatment of vitiligo with drugs, physiotherapy and folk remedies does not bring the expected results. An alternative to skin transplantation is the creation of tattoos, the shade of which mimics the texture of a healthy epidermis.
Laser therapy
How to treat vitiligo? Helps to eliminate the troubles effect on the affected areas of the skin with laser radiation. As practice shows, such treatment is highly effective if the patient goes to the doctor with the development of pathology at the initial stage.
To eliminate discolored spots on the surface of the epidermis, it is usually sufficient to perform several procedures using a laser apparatus. In the first stages, the effect on the skin is carried out within a few seconds. Over time, the duration of the sessions increases, which allows you to completely remove cosmetic defects.
Skin Color Alignment
How can I get rid of vitiligo in the shortest possible time? A good option is to even out the skin tone due to the introduction of a special dye preparation into the tissues. The use of an injection method of treatment is accompanied by a wide range of contraindications and side effects. For this reason, it is important to obtain approval from a qualified dermatologist before starting therapy.
Photochemotherapy
The essence of the method is to treat the skin with special chemical compounds that increase the sensitivity of epidermal tissues to sunlight. Nowadays, there are many pharmacological solutions, tablets and ointments that contribute to the production of melanin in the skin structure under the influence of ultraviolet radiation.
A patient with vitiligo takes the medicine inside or goes through the procedure of applying special formulations to areas of localization of bleached spots. After a certain time, the doctor begins to expose the skin to an ultraviolet lamp. Positive changes with this therapy are noted after 3-4 procedures. In order to visually smooth the shade of individual sections of the epidermis, several courses of photochemotherapy are required.
Prednisolone
How to treat vitiligo medication? For these purposes, an effective corticosteroid with a systemic effect of Prednisolone can be used. The active substances in the composition of the drug suppress the attack of antibodies on melanocytes - specific cells that are responsible for the production of coloring pigment. Taking a pharmacological agent seems rational if the development of vitiligo is provoked by autoimmune malfunctions in the body. The use of the medication has numerous limitations. Because the drug has a wide range of side effects.
How is Vitiligo treated with Prednisolone? Dosages are set by the doctor individually. As a rule, the medication is started with a safe amount of about 20 mg per day. The specified norm corresponds to four tablets of the drug, which are periodically consumed throughout the day. In the presence of sustained positive changes, the dose is gradually reduced.
"Hydroxychloroquine"
The mechanism of action of the drug is as follows. The active components of the drug are concentrated in melanocyte cells, stimulating the production of coloring pigment under the influence of ultraviolet radiation. Among other things, the active substances produce an immunomodulating and anti-inflammatory effect.
"Hydroxychloroquine" is taken in an amount of not more than 400 mg per day. The medicine is absorbed during eating. Doctors recommend drinking pills with a glass of milk. The duration of such therapy is 2-3 weeks.
"Essential"
The use of the drug is relevant in cases where vitiligo develops against the background of inhibition of the liver. The drug contains phospholipids, which stimulate the renewal of organ cells. The result of therapy is the active breakdown of beneficial substances in the body, indispensable for the active development of the pigment melanin.
What are the dosages of the drug? During the first weeks, the patient takes 2 capsules of the drug 3 times a day. The medicine is absorbed during eating, without chewing. After a month, the norm decreases to one tablet with a similar frequency. The indicated dosages may be changed by order of a physician.
Vitamin Complexes
Taking vitamins for the treatment of vitiligo makes it possible to normalize the metabolism and saturate the cells with an abundance of nutrients. Thus, the production of coloring pigment in the skin structures is stimulated, the effect of the rapid destruction of melanocytes by free radicals is eliminated. In order to regenerate tissues and maintain skin health, doctors prescribe the intake of ascorbic acid, as well as preparations containing vitamins E, B 1 , B 6 , B 9 .
"Polyoxidonium"
Taking the drug with the development of vitiligo helps to reduce the immune attack on the cells that are responsible for the production of the melanin pigment. The active substances in the composition of the medication are toxic. Therefore, the medicine is usually prescribed by doctors in extreme cases. To avoid trouble during therapy using the drug, it is important to adhere to the dosages recommended by a specialist in accuracy.
Melagenin Plus
The medicine is available in the form of a lotion. The product contains 50% extract of the human placenta, as well as alcohol ingredients. The use of the drug stimulates the active production of coloring pigment in melanocyte cells.
In order to treat vitiligo lotion is applied to bleached foci once a day. The procedure is repeated daily. After about a week, skin depigmentation zones return to normal. The epidermis gradually acquires a pink hue.
"Fluorocort"
"Fluorocort" is a corticosteroid ointment for vitiligo. The hormonal components of the drug normalize the functioning of antibodies, contribute to the suppression of inflammatory processes, and protect against the development of allergic reactions. Using the product looks like a rational solution in combination with photosensitizing drugs.
How is Fluorocort used? The ointment is applied in an insignificant layer on the affected areas of the epidermis vitiligo. The composition is applied without rubbing into the skin. The procedure is performed 2-3 times a day. With an integrated approach to therapy, positive changes as a result of using the drug are observed after a few weeks.
"Viticolor"
Vitikolor gel belongs to the category of masking cosmetics. It is used to color bleached spots on the skin. The gel contains dyes that for a long time give the epidermis a uniform, natural shade.
"Viticolor" is applied to the skin using a special applicator. The composition is distributed in problem areas in a circular motion, moving the brush in the direction from the center of the vitiligo spots to the edges. The areas covered with gel, try to limit in contact with water for 7-8 hours. This time is enough for high-quality fixing of coloring substances in the structures of the skin for 6-8 days.
Hypericum oil
A good option is the treatment of vitiligo with a folk remedy based on St. John's wort oil. To prepare a medicinal composition, plant flowers are used . A small jar is tightly filled with such raw materials. The basis of the product is poured with refined sunflower oil to the edges of the container. The mixture is left to infuse in a sunny place for 2 weeks. The contents of the jar are periodically mixed. After passing the specified period, part of the liquid is drained, after which a new portion of St. John's wort flowers and oil is added to the container. Such operations are performed 5-6 times, which allows you to accumulate a sufficient amount of healing composition for the treatment of vitiligo.
The tool is taken orally several times a day for one dessert spoon. Absorb medicine before meals. This solution makes it possible to eliminate malfunctions in the functioning of the organs of the gastrointestinal tract, as well as saturate the body tissues with useful substances necessary for the active formation of melanin pigment in the skin structures.
Swamp duckweed
Algae is rich in abundance of iodine and bromine salts. Replenishment of these substances in the body contributes to the treatment of vitiligo in cases where the development of the disease is due to pathologies of the thyroid gland.
Preparation of a medicinal product involves the following. Swamp duckweed is combined with vodka in the ratio: one teaspoon of plant material per 50 grams of alcohol. The ingredients are mixed and placed in an opaque glass container. The vessel is left for a week at room temperature in a dark room. Then the infusion is filtered through a piece of gauze. In order to maintain thyroid health during the development of vitiligo, 20 drops of the composition diluted in the fourth part of a glass of water are taken orally. Treatment is performed three times a day.
Sesame
Sesame seeds contain an abundance of substances that contribute to the active renewal of skin cells. To prepare the product, about 10 tablespoons of the plant grains are used. Raw materials are thoroughly crushed using a coffee grinder. The resulting mass is consumed orally by a teaspoon after waking up and shortly before going to bed.
Some time after the start of treatment, yellow blotches begin to appear in the structure of bleached vitiligo spots. If therapy is continued, the epidermis gradually acquires a uniform structure. It usually takes several months to achieve such results. It is important to continue to consume crushed sesame seeds until the problem completely disappears.
Onions and garlic
Positive results in the treatment of vitiligo potentially make it possible to achieve the use of onion and garlic products. Their juice daily rub bleached spots on the skin. The procedure is performed within 3-5 minutes. Onions and garlic are used alternately, every other day. Small spots that have formed recently disappear after such therapy for a week. The obsolete manifestations of vitiligo acquire healthy pigmentation a little later.
Finally
As you can see, the treatment of vitiligo can be carried out through the use of a wide range of methods. However, despite the effectiveness of certain solutions, targeted therapy makes it possible to only slow down and stop the course of pathological processes that cause the problem. Complete recovery of patients is observed in rare cases. Relative consolation is the fact that the result of vitiligo is the formation of cosmetic defects that absolutely do not affect a person’s well-being and ability to work.