Vitiligo is largely a skin condition with more psychological affects than directly causing a change in your health. Depending on the type and extent of Vitiligo a person is affected with, the treatments follow separate procedures.
Phototherapy (UVB Light)
A common form of Vitiligo treatment is exposing the affected part of the skin to UVB Light. Administration of UVB light is also simple, requiring a small lamp and can be carried out by the patient. However, to make this form of phototherapy most effective, administration of UVB is to be done on a daily basis. Further, the affected individual might need to visit a specialized clinic to check chances of recuperation. In case, the affected area is quite large, affecting most parts of the body, administration of UVB is better advised from a hospital. UVB therapy for Vitiligo can be combined with other tropical procedures to fasten up recovery.
Phototherapy (UVA Light)
UVA Light treatment for Vitiligo is only done in hospitals and uniquely equipped clinics. In addition to exposure to ultraviolet radiation, the treatment involves intake of a drug called the Psoralen, which increases the skins sensitivity to UV light. The affected skin is exposed to high amounts of radiation and the patient’s needs to go through several sessions to see visible results.
Skin camouflaging
While not an actual therapy, skin camouflaging using cosmetics hides the white patches. The makeup procedure is usually undertaken by individuals with slight hints of depigmentation. Several skin creams and available in the market that will be able to hide the patches for up to 96 hours. Further, most of these applications are completely waterproof.
Depigmentation
Individuals affected with treatments for vitiligo for most parts of their body use depigmentation (artificial Vitiligo) to bring an even color to the skin. Depigmentation subsequently helps lose skin pigments from areas that have not been affected by the lack of melanin. Depigmentation is a more permanent cure of the condition but it also makes the skin more fragile. In any case, complete depigmentation of skin can take as long as 14 months.
Skin grafting
Skin grafting is a plastic surgery alternative where healthy skin patches are carefully removed and used to cover the affected parts of the body. This is a time consuming and complicated procedure and subsequently isn’t a common method of treatment. Further, skin grafting requires special skills since improper grafting may leave behind scars on healthy skin.
Tropical corticosteroids
Corticosteroids come as creams and ointment that involve using steroids to help the skin naturally get back its pigmentation. There have been cases of complete color restoration but treatment using tropical corticosteroids needs to be done under expert supervision.
Natural treatment for Vitiligo
Vitiligo has been affecting human population since ages. A traditional and more common way of treating the affected skin is using natural herbs and melanin replenishments. Treatment include the administration of ginger, basil, turmeric, amla, Neem and other natural extracts for a continued period. Natural treatment doesn’t have any side effect and is also considered to be a permanent cure for Vitiligo.