"The social stigma around vitiligo in India causes patients immense distress — sometimes far exceeding the physical condition itself. The most important thing I tell patients: vitiligo is not contagious, it is not caused by diet or karma, and modern treatment can achieve significant repigmentation," says Dr. B. Jyothi, Consultant Dermatologist, Lalitha Chest & Skin Hospital, Karimnagar.
What Is Vitiligo?
Vitiligo is an autoimmune condition where the body's immune system attacks and destroys melanocytes — the specialised cells that produce skin pigment (melanin). The result is loss of colour in irregular patches that may be small, large, or widespread. Patches are sharply defined against normal skin and may affect any part of the body, including hair and the inside of the mouth.
Types of Vitiligo
- Generalised vitiligo — Most common. Affects both sides of the body symmetrically. Unpredictable course — may remain stable or spread.
- Segmental vitiligo — Affects one segment of the body (e.g., one side of the face or one arm). Often appears in childhood, progresses for 1 to 2 years, then becomes stable. Responds better to surgical treatment.
- Focal vitiligo — One or a few patches in a localised area.
Causes and Risk Factors
Vitiligo is an autoimmune condition — the immune system mistakenly attacks melanocytes. The exact trigger is not fully understood, but contributing factors include:
- Genetic predisposition — family history of vitiligo or other autoimmune conditions (thyroid disease, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis)
- Stress and emotional trauma
- Physical trauma to the skin (Koebner phenomenon)
- Sun exposure
- Skin contact with certain chemicals
Vitiligo is not caused by diet, consuming milk with fish, or divine punishment. These misconceptions must be corrected — they cause patients to avoid treatment and experience unnecessary shame.
Diagnosis
Dr. B. Jyothi diagnoses vitiligo clinically and confirms with Wood's lamp examination (the depigmented areas glow blue-white under UV light). Blood tests check for associated autoimmune conditions — particularly thyroid function.
Treatment Options
1. Topical Treatments (for small or early patches):
- Tacrolimus or pimecrolimus — Topical calcineurin inhibitors that suppress the immune attack on melanocytes without the skin-thinning side effects of steroids. Particularly effective on the face and neck.
- Topical corticosteroids — Short courses can help stabilise active vitiligo and stimulate repigmentation.
2. Narrowband UVB (NB-UVB) Phototherapy: The gold standard treatment for widespread vitiligo. UV light suppresses the immune attack and stimulates melanocyte migration from surrounding skin. Requires 2 to 3 sessions per week for a minimum of 6 months. The face, neck, and trunk respond best. Extremities respond less predictably.
3. Surgical Treatment — for stable vitiligo:
- Melanocyte transplantation — Melanocytes are harvested from normal skin and transplanted to the depigmented area. Very effective for stable segmental vitiligo and small patches.
4. Cosmetic Camouflage: For patients with stable vitiligo who want to cover patches while treatment is underway, dermatologist-recommended camouflage creams provide excellent, skin-tone-matched coverage.
Sun Protection
Vitiligo patches have no melanin protection against UV damage. Broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen is essential on all depigmented skin to prevent sunburn and reduce risk of skin damage in affected areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is vitiligo contagious?
No. Vitiligo is absolutely not contagious. You cannot get it from touching someone with vitiligo. It is an autoimmune condition, not an infection.
Q: Can vitiligo be cured?
There is no permanent cure, but significant repigmentation is achievable in many patients with modern treatment. Segmental vitiligo that has been stable for at least a year responds particularly well to surgical melanocyte transplantation.
Q: Does eating white foods cause or worsen vitiligo?
No. There is no scientific evidence that milk, curd, white rice, potatoes, or any specific food causes or worsens vitiligo. These are common misconceptions.
Q: My vitiligo has been stable for 2 years. Can I have surgical treatment?
Stability for at least 12 months is the key criterion for surgical melanocyte transplantation. Stable vitiligo responds very well to this procedure. Dr. Jyothi can assess your suitability in a consultation.
Searching for "vitiligo treatment in Karimnagar" or "skin specialist near me"? Visit Lalitha Chest & Skin Hospital. Dr. B. Jyothi provides comprehensive vitiligo treatment including NB-UVB phototherapy and melanocyte transplantation for eligible patients. Book at +91 94413 59200.