Best Vitiligo Specialist in Delhi

Vitiligo is a skin disorder in which the melanocytes cells that give color to the skin get destroyed or damaged. Melanocytes are responsible for producing melanin in the skin, which is a pigment that gives color to skin and hair. As melanocytes get damaged, so there is no melanin production in the skin resulting in the development of white patches on the skin. The vitiligo skin tissue is photosensitive, and the person who is affected by this condition, their skin becomes more sensitive to sunlight and is more prone to get damaged by the UV rays.

The primary and only symptom of vitiligo is the appearance of white patches on the skin. These patches can be smaller or larger depending upon the following patterns:

1. Segmental or focal vitiligo: In this condition, small white spots appear in one or a few areas of the body.

2. Non-segmental or generalized vitiligo: In these conditions, white patches appear on both sides of the body. It usually starts and stops several times throughout a person's lifetime.

The other symptoms of vitiligo include:

• Loss of color of the eyeball.
• Loss of color in the tissues that are present inside the mouth and nose..
• Premature graying or whitening of the hair on eyelashes, eyebrows, scalp or beard

Researchers are still trying to find the exact cause of vitiligo, but it is supposed that it is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system of the body starts attacking the healthy melanocytes of the body resulting in the appearance of white patches on the skin. Various other factors like stress, pollution, UV rays, anxiety, genes, thyroid disease, are also considered as the causative factor for vitiligo.

Though there is no complete cure of vitiligo, still there are ways to manage its symptoms that include:

• Apply sunscreen and wear full clothing before going outside as protecting the skin will help in preventing the skin from harmful sun rays that can make the conditions worse.
• An individual suffering from vitiligo should pay special attention to their nutritional needs as it is an autoimmune disorder, so the immune system is benefited by the food that contains phytochemicals and antioxidants such as leafy greens, banana, apples, figs, and dates.
• An individual having vitiligo should avoid consuming alcohol and smoking, as these products can worsen the vitiligo condition.
• Consulting a dermatologist is a must before trying any home remedies.

Depending upon the severity of vitiligo, the dermatologist will suggest medications and other treatments to manage the symptoms of the condition. Dr. Rohit Batra, the best skin doctor, provides different treatments for vitiligo:

Medications and creams: Certain topical creams can help the affected skin to get its normal color and help to improve the appearance of discoloration.

Narrowband-UVB light: This is a phototherapy treatment that can be done in both adults and children to treat vitiligo condition.

Excimer Laser: This is an advanced technique to treat facial vitiligo, which gives approx 65% improvement within 12-14 months of the treatment.

Surgery: Grafting is also an effective way to restore the lost pigmentation in the white patches of the skin.

Yes, in 90% of the cases, vitiligo is considered as a hereditary disease. There is a probability that if parents have vitiligo, there are more possibilities to pass this condition to children through genes.

Though vitiligo can start at any age, it is more seen in persons in the age group of 20 and 30. In the initial phase, white patches begin on the face, then above the neck, on the eyes, elbows, hands, and then spreads to other parts of the body. Initially, these symptoms appear on one side of the body, but after some time, it starts spreading on different parts of the body.