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 RISING WOMEN EXPERT
ADVICE...
I have white patches showing up on my skin! Is this a serious skin
condition and what can I do about it? White
depigmentation in patchy areas on you skin could quite possibly be what is
known as vitiligo. This is a relatively uncommon chronic disorder (effecting
only approximately 1 to 2 percent of our population) that occurs when the
cells responsible for skin pigmentation (melanocytes) are unable to function
or die. Though one might think the patches are a sign of leprosy, rest
assured they are not.
To date, the cause of vitiligo is still very complex and not fully
understood, however research suggests that it is caused by a combination of
genetic and environmental factors. Vitiligo has also been associated with
autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, particularly thyroid related.
The most notable symptom of vitiligo are white patches appearing on the skin
around body orifices such as genitalia areas, mouth, eyes and nose, however
they are also common on areas under the arms, back, legs, chest, highly sun
exposed areas as well as where cuts or wounds have occurred, such as on the
hands or face from shaving. There are generally two types of vitiligo.
Localized vitiligo appears only in small areas, while generalized vitiligo
can scatter in variously sized patches across the entire body.
No effective or lasting treatment for vitiligo been discovered as of yet,
however corticosteroid cream is commonly prescribed by traditional
dermatologists. In minor case, the patches can be covered with cosmetics and
there are prescription drugs available through recommendation of a
Physician.
As of late, ultraviolet light therapy has been showing some great results.
Commonly known at Phototherapy, this treatment enables the pigmentation in
the skin.
For a natural approach, there are a variety of herbal and homeopathic
products available. One in particular is Ginkgo biloba. The oldest of living
tree species, the extract from the Ginkgo leaves and the seeds have been a
staple in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. It is also one of the
most popular herbs used medicinally throughout many countries around the
world. In a 2008 review of natural health products it was concluded that
oral Ginkgo biloba showed promising results.
In conclusion, you are unfortunately stuck with your new patches but keep
doing your research; each case is different. Keep your skin hydrated, choose
only natural or organic skin care products and reduce your exposure to the
sun.
Have a beauty issue? Email your questions to our team of Experts at
experts@risingwomen.com
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