Vitiligo refers to a skin condition of depigmentation. According to the Mayo Clinic, melanocytes (cells responsible for your color) die and you can lose the color in your skin, eyes and hair. White patches begin to form on your skin and the tissues inside your mouth can also lighten in color. There are specific steps to cure vitiligo
Step 1
Go to your dermatologist to obtain a prescription for a topical corticosteroid or a topical immunomodulator. A topical corticosteroid can help your skin return to its natural color and is used for at least three months. A topic immunomodulator is an ointment containing tacrolimus and pimecrolimus. It is usually a treatment reserved for depigmentation patches on the face and neck.
Step 2
Ask your dermatologist about topical psoralen plus ultraviolet A (PUVA) treatment, oral psoralen photochemotherapy, narrow-band ultraviolet B (UVB) therapy, or depigmentation therapy. According to the American Vitiligo Research Foundation, topical psoralen plus ultraviolet A consists of applying psoralen (chemical substance made in plants) onto your depigmented skin and exposing this skin to UVA light for 30 minutes. This procedure is for people who have vitiligo covering less than 20 percent of their body. In oral psoralen photochemotherapy, you will take a psoralen tablet by mouth and will be exposed to UVA light two hours later. Narrow-band ultraviolet B therapy is like ultraviolet A therapy but you will not need prior psoralen treatment. Depigmentation therapy involves applying monobenzone (a type of medication) to your skin so that it lightens to match the rest of your depigmentation patches. Discuss with your dermatologist which treatment option is best for you.
Step 3
Visit your surgeon to obtain an autologous skin graft, a blister grafting, tattooing or an autologous melanocyte transplant. An autologous skin graft involves using your normal appearing skin to cover the lightened skin. Blister grafting involves using a suction (special surgical vacuum) to create blisters on your normal appearing skin and depigmented skin. The blister is removed from the normal region and applied to the depigmented region. Tattooing involves permanently placing pigments into lightened areas like the lips. The Mayo Clinic states that the autologous melanocyte transplant is experimental. It involves obtaining a biopsy (sample) of your normal skin and growing it in the lab to produce more melanocytes. These melanocytes will then be transferred to your vitligo-ridden skin. Discuss with your surgeon which procedure is suitable for your vitiligo.
Step 4
Go to your local pharmacy and purchase ginkgo. This is a herb used to halt vitiligo's spread and may possibly darken your skin. Tell your doctor about ginkgo before taking. It may interfere with your current medications.
Things You'll Need
- Topical corticosteroid
- Topical immunomodulator
- Ginkgo
