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Vitiligo Be Gone!

So, what exactly is vitiligo? The human body has cells called melanocytes, also known as pigment cells, which give the hair and skin their color. In patients who suffer from vitiligo, the melanocytes are destroyed and pigment is no longer made in a localized portion of the body, leaving the white spots of vitiligo.

Vitiligo is not an altogether rare disorder. In fact, it is estimated to affect 1-2% of the population to some extent. That’s 2-4 million in the US alone. It is not yet clear whether the condition is completely, partially, or not at all related to genetics. Some studies show that the disorder may be similar to an auto-immune condition, while other research points to the possibility that vitiligo may be connected to other health problems, such as hyper- or hypothyroidism, B12 anemia, Addison’s Disease, alopecia (baldness) or other thyroid or metabolic disorders. The good news is that vitiligo does not seem to cause any other particular symptoms, it is not contagious and it is not a form of cancer.

Vitiligo is an equal opportunity skin condition, affecting both men and women and all races and ethnicities equally. At this point in time, although much research is being conducted, there are no certain preventative measures. Nonetheless, there is much hope that the near future will bring both preventative and curative options.

This type of disorder isn’t always so easy to hide or cover up, especially when it appears on exposed areas of the face, hands, arms, neck and chest. Most patients with vitiligo undergo a great deal of anxiety and embarrassment regarding their condition. However, there are methods to alleviate a large part of the visible signs of vitiligo. From repigmentation to makeup coverage, below you will find some of the most well-researched treatment protocols and products used by those with vitiligo who wish to continue leading a normal life, unencumbered by their skin color or lack thereof.

Vitiligo Treatment Options
There are quite a few options for treating and living with vitiligo.

The most common drug therapy is called Psoralen. This combination drug is either applied to the skin topically where vitiligo is occurring or can be taken orally. Psoralen is combined with regulated doses of sunlight, usually in the form of indoor ultraviolet light treatments. The drug therapy plus the ultraviolet A exposure are known as PUVA. This is usually the most effective therapy, although time consuming and laborious. The goal is to restore pigmentation to the regions of white patches.

A more extreme measure is known as depigmentation. In this form of therapy, other regions of the body are stripped of their pigmentation, causing the visible skin tones to blend and appear more even, although paler. For some patients, this may require total depigmentation, although this form of treatment is rare and generally only tried on those with severe cases of vitiligo.

More complex procedures include skin grafts, tattooing and melanocyte transplants. All of these therapies can be discussed with your doctor so that a safe and effective treatment plan can be made for your particular situation and case.

Finally, one of the easiest and quickest ways to cover up the white spots caused by vitiligo is through the use of specially designed cosmetics.

Dermablend Leg & Body Cover Crème comes in a variety of skin tone colors and is great for use on large body areas such as torso, legs and arms. The cream is easy to apply, dries quickly and will remain in place for up to 16 hours! Moreover, this cream will go anywhere with you - to the gym, swimming, to work and even out to dinner. It’s waterproof and will help you to get through the day, minus the white spots on your skin.

For the face, neck and upper torso areas that are commonly affected by vitiligo, try Dermablend Smooth Indulgence Foundation. This foundation contains twice the pigment of regular concealers and easily hides skin imperfections and uneven skin tones. Smooth Indulgence comes in a wide variety of colors and shades to match the rest of your skin perfectly.

Jane Iredale Disappear is an antioxidant-infused cream that covers up problem spots on the face, neck and hands. It contains soothing seaweed extracts, powerful green tea antioxidants and moisturizing oils and minerals for a perfect complexion every day. The cream is available in several shades of skin tones.

gloCamouflage by GloMinerals will easily help you blend in the white spots by giving the skin a rich coverage of pigment while also improving the condition of the skin with specially formulated moisturizers and nutrients. This is the ultimate in cover-up and concealer for those with minor skin blemishes and pigmentation conditions.

Article posted 12/18/2006.

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Disappear - Medium - Medium by Jane Iredale $24.00

Leg And Body Cover Creme - Ivory - Ivory by Dermablend $25.00

Smooth Indulgence Foundation - Sand Beige - Sand Beige by Dermablend $27.00