Vitiligo (cont.)
Additional therapies
In addition to medical and surgical therapies, there are many things you can do on your own to protect your skin, minimize the appearance of white patches, and cope with the emotional aspects of vitiligo:
- Sunscreens -- People who have vitiligo, particularly those with fair skin, should minimize sun exposure and use a sunscreen that provides protection from both UVA and ultraviolet B light. Tanning makes the contrast between normal and depigmented skin more noticeable. Sunscreen helps protect the skin from sunburn and long-term damage.
- Cosmetics -- Some patients with vitiligo cover depigmented patches with stains, makeup, or self-tanning lotions. These cosmetic products can be particularly effective for people whose vitiligo is limited to exposed areas of the body. Dermablend, Lydia O'Leary, Clinique, Fashion Flair, Vitadye, and Chromelin offer makeup or dyes that you may find helpful for covering up depigmented patches. Self-tanning lotions have an advantage over makeup in that the color will last for several days and will not come off with washing.
- Counseling and support groups -- Many people with vitiligo find it helpful to get counseling from a mental health professional. People often find they can talk to their counselor about issues that are difficult to discuss with anyone else. A mental health counselor can also offer support and help in coping with vitiligo. In addition, it may be helpful to attend a vitiligo support group.
What research is being done on vitiligo?
In the past two decades, research on the role that melanocytes play in vitiligo has greatly increased. A variety of technical advances, such as gene mapping and cloning, have permitted relatively rapid advances in knowledge of melanocytes at the cellular and molecular levels.
Much of the research that holds promise for understanding, treating, and possibly preventing vitiligo is supported by NIAMS. Current NIAMS-supported research includes the following:
- examination of the mechanism by which trauma or stress to the skin can
trigger vitiligo or the development of new lesions
- development of a mouse model of vitiligo that not only would help scientists
better understand the disease but also would allow them to test treatments for
it
- identification of genes that play a role in and predispose people to vitiligo.
At the University of Colorado, NIAMS supports a large collaborative project involving families with vitiligo in the United States and the United Kingdom. Researchers have found evidence of a link between vitiligo and variants of a gene called FOXD3. It is hoped that further genetic analyses of these and other families will enable them to identify one or more additional vitiligo susceptibility genes. This work may lead to development of specific approaches to disease therapy and prevention for patients at high genetic risk.
Next: Where can people find more information about vitiligo? »
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