Skin Pigmentation Disorders

Skin pigmentation disorders are relatively widespread, often resulting in considerable stress in patients because their appearance is involved. Most of the concerns raised are merely aesthetic, but some skin pigment changes may indicate more serious, underlying conditions, such as lupus. All skin pigmentation disorders are directly related to the amount of skin pigment, melanin, that is present. A skin disorder with an excess of melanin is known as hyperpigmentary, whereas a disorder with a shortage of melanin is termed hypopigmentary. Loss of pigment in hair can result in white hair.

The following are examples of skin pigmentation disorders:

Melasma

Melasma is a very common hyperpigmentary disorder in women, which affects the parts of the body exposed to the sun. Persistent exposure to the sun and tanning will make the condition worse. The main areas affected are the cheeks, forehead, the upper lip and chin. It can arise in men, but only accounts for 10% of reported cases. An excess of hormones is usually involved, such as the use of the oral contraception, pregnancy and endocrine disorders. In fact, some 30% of women taking oral contraception develop melasma. It can also be related to some cosmetics, medications and liver disease. Treatment of melasma may involve skin lightening agents, camouflage makeup, avoiding tanning and refusing any medications known to have a causative effect.

Vitiligo

Vitiligo is a disorder that causes loss of pigment by destroying melanocytes, the melanin carrying cells. The actual cause of vitiligo is unknown, although many experts believe that genetic factors are involved, since 30% of vitiligo sufferers have another affected family member somewhere in their family tree. It can affect all races, but is more noticeable in those with darker complexions, with men and women affected equally. The more frequently affected areas are the face, back of the hand, wrists, armpits, abdomen and the genitals. Treatment can be very difficult, and may include topical steroids, surgery and ultraviolet light exposure.

Tinea Versicolor

Tinea versicolor is a superficial infection of the stratum corneum, the outermost of the 5 layers of the epidermis, caused by the yeast, malassezia furfur. Although it can be found worldwide and in all races, it is more frequently found in tropical climates. It consists of many, small circular hypopigmented lesions, usually  developing on the torso. These areas become more noticeable during the summer, as they do not respond very well to tanning. Elimination of the infection is difficult, with very high rates of re-occurrence. Topical antifungal medicine is typically used to treat the infection.

Any injury to the skin may result in skin pigmentation changes, causing either an increased or decreased area of pigment production. Inflammation may be considered to be a type of injury, and as such may also lead to pigment changes. This is a rare but well known complication of plastic surgery using laser therapy. Skin pigmentation disorders as a result of injury appear to be more common in people with more natural pigment than in fair skinned people.

As mentioned, skin pigmentation disorders are difficult to treat, and may involve potentially dangerous drugs and expensive surgery. Clearly, this may not be appealing or practical for all, and many sufferers seek alternative treatment options.

For example, many vitiligo sufferers have turned to a natural approach to treatment, using herbal extracts and vitamins, together with diet and lifestyle changes. This method is a proven and successful vitiligo treatment approach, with the added bonus of no dangerous side effects.

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Vitiligo Diet

Vitiligo is an autoimmune disorder which leads to different parts of the body losing pigment, resulting in a blotchy, mottled appearance to the skin. The widespread belief of many people is that a healthy vitiligo diet can help to keep the condition under control and encourage healthy skin and cell regeneration. The choice of the best type of vitiligo diet should be made on an individual basis, frequently following trial and error, making sure that consideration is given to personal preferences, existing health issues and food allergies.

Important elements of a vitiligo diet are whole grains. These grains are full of vitamins, minerals, and fibre which are important in supporting overall health. Particularly beneficial may be oats, owing to the presence of high levels of Vitamin E, which is known to improve the body's natural immune responses and may also help in the fight against harmful bacteria.

Whenever possible, a vitiligo diet should include certain vegetables. Spinach contains considerable quantities of different nutrients which may aid the repair of damaged blood vessels and promote skin regeneration. Garlic possesses natural antibiotic properties and contains a wide range of nutrients which work to maintain healthy cells. Cabbage contains various nutrients and also substances which assist the break down of harmful chemicals within the body. Fruits such as blueberries and tomatoes are renowned for their healing properties and, as such, are a good addition to a vitiligo diet.

Essential to a proper vitiligo diet are healthy fats. One of the best sources of this type of fat is olive oil, which can easily be added to the diet. Most nuts are ideal for vitiligo sufferers, as they contain healthy fats as well as protein, with the main exceptions being cashews and pistachios, which are not recommended for those with vitiligo.

As well as these various recommended foods, it is essential to drink plenty of water, so that the skin can be kept hydrated and healthy.
 
However,some foods should not be included in a vitiligo diet, especially in high quantities. These foods include mango, red chilli, and tea. Berries such as blackberries, raspberries and cherries should also be avoided by vitiligo sufferers.

Vitiligo And Michael Jackson

Vitiligo is a skin ailment in which the skin loses pigmentation, which results in the formation of white patches. This was the skin condition that Michael Jackson claimed to be affected by during an appearance on the Oprah Winfrey show.

Although the cause of vitiligo is unknown, the theory, according to many doctors and scientists is that it is probably caused by an immune system failure. Evidence also shows that vitiligo does seem to occur more often in those people already suffering from other autoimmune diseases, such as lupus or hyperthyroidism. In many cases, the disorder develops before the age of 40.

Michael Jackson’s skin disorder probably appeared in much the same way as most cases of vitiligo - exposure of the skin to the sun. In Michael’s case, it was believed to have started on his hand. This may be why he wore his trademark glove, possibly trying to hide the white patches, and at the very least providing protection from sun exposure. Vitiligo can also affect other other parts of the body that are exposed to sunlight, such as the feet, arms and face. Skin protection using sunscreen and protective clothing is clearly important for vitiligo sufferers.

Traditional vitiligo treatments include medications, light therapy and surgery. However, these treatments are not always successful, can be time-consuming, expensive, and disturbingly, can lead to potentially dangerous side effects.

One approach that many sufferers consider is a natural vitiligo treatment option, using herbal extracts and vitamins, together with diet and lifestyle changes. This method is a proven and successful vitiligo treatment approach, with the added bonus of no dangerous side effects.

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White Patches on Skin

White patches on skin are typical signs of vitiligo, which is a skin disorder that destroys or causes the malfunction of the cells that produce skin pigment. They appear most often on those parts of the body most exposed to the sun, such as the arms, face, legs, hands and feet, although white patches can also appear in the genital area and the armpits. Another typical symptom of vitiligo is that hair turns grey prematurely. The skin disorder is widespread. For example, 1% of the population of the USA are estimated to be vitiligo sufferers, along with approximately 100 million worldwide.

The cause of vitiligo is still unknown. The main theory suggests that vitiligo is an autoimmune disease, in which the body’s immune system attacks the cells that produce pigment - melanocytes. It should be noted that people that suffer from other autoimmune diseases, such as hyperthyroidism, are more susceptible to develop vitiligo. Other theories advocate that vitiligo may be caused by severe sunburn, specific medications, stress and genetic links.

All current vitiligo treatments  have a high level of ineffectiveness and an increased risk of side-effects. Also, the treatments are time consuming, with some treatments for instance requiring 2 or 3 clinic visits per week, for several months. In most cases, the treatments are far too expensive for the majority of patients.

Topical steroid therapy is one of the main treatments, which involves applying steroid cream to the white patches on skin, aimed at restoring pigment to the skin. It may take several months to see any results, but prolonged steroid use brings a threat of potential side-effects, such as skin irritation and a weakened immune system. A more effective and complex vitiligo treatment is photochemotherapy, used together with either oral or topical psoralen. Another lengthy and expensive process that can lead to dangerous side-effects such as eye damage, skin burns and skin cancer. Vitiligo surgery, such as skin grafting, is another option, but there is always the chance that the graft may be rejected, and as with most surgical procedures, there is an increased risk of complications such as infection and scarring.

Not surprisingly, many sufferers prefer to take the safer option of a natural vitiligo treatment. Herbal extracts can be used to stop the spread of vitiligo, together with a blend of vitamins used to encourage the melanocytes to restart pigment production. If  used in conjunction with changes to diet and lifestyle, this approach can cure vitiligo very quickly, with the added bonus of no side effects. The go-to guy for such a system is Michael Dawson, a certified nutritionist, health consultant and medical researcher. Working tirelessly, he has produced a step-by-step guide showing how to cure vitiligo naturally and safely.

Click Here To See How To Cure Vitiligo Naturally

Vitiligo In Children

The deep, psychological and social effects of vitiligo in children can continue into later life, even though the condition may improve. It is vital to identify vitiligo quickly, check the child for other autoimmune diseases, and get the appropriate specialist treatment and advice.

Check out the following video for an expert view of the effects of vitiligo on children.

Vitiligo Treatment

Existing vitiligo treatment options entail the use of medications, drugs or surgery. However , the ineffectiveness of all treatment options is renowned, with a high degree of potential side-effects, as well as being expensive and unaffordable for most people.

Medical vitiligo treatment options include steroids, psoralen photochemotherapy, immunomodulators and de-pigmentation therapy.

Steroid Therapy

This requires the use of steroid creams on the patches of white skin with the aim of restoring the original skin colour. In order to see any improvement, the cream will need to be applied for at least 3 months. The downside of this treatment is that steroid use may lead to unwanted side-effects such as an increased vulnerability to infection, migraines and sight problems. Doctors do not recommend these creams for use in treating children, or when the face, armpits or genitals are the affected areas of the body.

Immunomodulators

These are similar to steroids, and are prescribed when melanocyte destruction by the immune system is suspected, but the effectiveness is limited. It should be noted that immunomodulators may raise the chances of developing lymphoma and skin cancer.

Psoralen Photochemotherapy

This is the re-pigmentation of the white patches of skin using ultraviolet light, combined with psoralen cream or drugs. Although considered to be a more effective vitiligo treatment, it is very time-consuming, as it requires 2 or 3 weekly treatment visits to a clinic, lasting for several months. The treatment is also very costly, as well as being associated with an increased risk of skin cancer, skin blistering and potential eye damage

De-pigmentation Therapy

This may be the recommended vitiligo treatment option if the white patches are extensive and covering most of the body. In this case, the patient may choose to have the rest of the skin de-pigmented, using chemicals to bleach the remaining unaffected areas, in order to match the colour of the areas affected by vitiligo. Known side-effects of this treatment include extreme sensitivity to sunlight, inflammation and itchy, dry skin

As mentioned, the medical vitiligo treatments often prove to be ineffective, so surgical therapies may be the preferred choice by some patients. However, the costs involved may prohibit most people from exploring this option.

Skin Grafting

This is a common vitiligo surgical procedure in which some skin from an unaffected area of the body is attached to an area that is de-pigmented. In some instances, the skin graft may be rejected, leading to inflammation and infection. Even if the graft is successful, the skin can develop a cobblestoned appearance, which can be rather unsightly and raise aesthetic, and self-confidence issues.

Tattooing

This is an option in which the white patches are filled in with a special dye that matches the natural colour of the skin. However, perfect matches are extremely difficult to find, and the treatment is only recommended for tiny white patches.

Vitiligo Natural Treatment

For a safer option, it is possible to treat and cure vitiligo without resorting to drugs or surgery, using herbal and vitamin supplements in conjunction with diet and lifestyle changes. Successful use of this treatment has been well documented by doctors and scientists in medical journals in the past, but the research is not widely reported, and indeed, kept hidden by interested parties such as drug companies.

Now, this research has been unearthed, and used as the basis of a comprehensive, step-by-step guide, showing all that is needed to cure vitiligo naturally.

Click Here For Your Natural Vitiligo Treatment System

Vitiligo Pictures

The following vitiligo pictures show how the condition can affect various parts of the body.

Visit Natural Vitiligo Treatment for more information and advice about how to deal with vitiligo.

                                                                

Vitiligo Symptoms

Vitiligo is a skin complaint, with the most obvious symptom being the appearance of white patches due to the loss of skin pigmentation. Vitiligo normally starts before the age of 40, affecting people from all races, although the condition is more conspicuous in those with naturally darker skin colour.

Loss Of Pigmentation

 

Vitiligo is responsible for pigment loss in various areas of the body, resulting in white patches on the skin, or lighter than normal areas. Parts of the body that experience more exposure to sunlight display more vitiligo symptoms than others. Therefore the areas more prone for vitiligo to arise are the hands, arms, feet and face.

Pigmentation loss is not the only symptom of vitiligo. Some other less common symptoms are known to be connected to vitiligo.

Changes To Mucous Membranes

Vitiligo may cause any mucous membrane, such as the lining of the mouth or nose, to lose colour.

Retina Changes

The retina, the inner layer of the eye, may lose its red colour if affected by vitiligo.

White Hair

Another symptom of vitiligo is hair prematurely turning white. If the face or scalp is affected by the condition, hair growing from the skin may suffer pigment loss, making it appear white. This may arise in scalp hair, beard hair, eyelashes and eyebrows.

Depigmentation Patterns

Research has shown that vitiligo may follow one of three pattern types - focal, segmental or generalized.

• Focal Depigmentation - affects a single area or several areas of the body.
• Segmental Depigmentation - white patches appear on one side of the body only.
• Generalized Depigmentation - a widespread pattern affecting many areas.

Although the causes of vitiligo are at present unknown, various treatment options are available that may help to slow pigment loss.

Click Here For Your Vitiligo Natural Treatment

Vitiligo Causes

At present, the exact vitiligo causes are unknown, but there are several theories held by various scientists and medical practitioners. These range from a belief that the disease may be an autoimmune disorder, possibly genetic, or even originate from some form of emotional stress or sunburn. There are some schools of thought that believe that vitiligo is caused by a combination of these factors.

Autoimmune Disease

 

This theory suggests that vitiligo is caused by an autoimmune disease, which leads to the destruction of melanocytes by the body’s immune system. Melanocytes are the cells that produce melanin, which is responsible for skin colour. 

Heredity

Another theory supports the idea that vitiligo is hereditary. It is known to run in families, and it is feasible that specific genes may cause an immune system disorder resulting in vitiligo. As yet, these genes have not been identified.

Sunburn or Emotional Distress

Some sufferers have stated that vitiligo symptoms arise following particularly bad bouts of sunburn, and also when dealing with emotionally stressful stages of their lives. The commonly held belief is that sunburn and stress alone may not cause vitiligo, but actually instigate the symptoms in someone who may be genetically predisposed to the condition.

Although vitiligo causes are unknown, what is clearly evident is the way in which the disease manifests. The cells known as melanocytes malfunction, and the area surrounding the rogue cells gradually turns white as a result.

Discover How To Treat Vitiligo Naturally Here

What Is Vitiligo?

Vitiligo is a disease that eliminates the cells that create the body’s pigment. It involves the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes, with the clearest indication being the appearance of white patches in the areas in which the skin is not producing enough pigment. The condition is not serious, and investigations are ongoing into diagnostic methods, treatments, parallel diseases and the psychological effects.

Melanin is the pigment responsible for hair, eye and skin colour. Continual break down of this material means that replenishment is needed, and cells called melanocytes carry out this process. These cells produce and dispense correct quantities of melanin, but in vitiligo sufferers, this procedure is disturbed. 

The reasons behind the destruction of melanocytes by vitiligo remain unknown. In the absence of external, causal evidence, medical practitioners have classified the condition as an auto-immune disorder. In the case of vitiligo, the malfunctioning immune system attacks its own cells, the melanocytes, having been deceived into believing the body is under attack.

Light or white patches are the most frequent symptoms, and they may appear anywhere on the body, especially the parts that are exposed to sunlight, such as the face, neck, arms, hands and feet. The genital and underarm areas may also be affected.

A proper consultation and diagnosis is essential if vitiligo is suspected, so a visit to a physician is advisable. Treatments vary greatly, ranging from oral medication to laser therapy, and even natural alternative options.

Major concerns with the condition are the psychological, aesthetic and self-esteem issues that arise. As the condition appears to affect many young people, the visible nature of the disease can often lead to issues in these areas, so seeking professional help is encouraged.

Anaemia, lupus and hyperthyroidism are conditions that are often found to run alongside vitiligo. Genetics are probably a factor in the condition, as it does seem to run in families, but the disease is not contagious. Unfortunately, the longer the condition lasts, the worse it gets, so early intervention and treatment is a wise choice.

Click Here For Natural Vitiligo Treatment Options