(Vitiligo) -- Please Help........!

Dear Doctor and Friends!

My wife is 8th month pregnant now and 3 months ago we notice white patches (depigmentation) on her skin at hands, legs and slightly at lips. Then, immediately we have consulted our local Dermatologist and diagnosed with “Vitiligo”. [She is also having premature graying of hair and there NO Family history of the disorder.] Dr. told that he can prescribe her (oral pills) medicines, until she finish breast feed her baby and suggested an ointment. Really this disappointed us a lot and we are afraid of spreading of pigments, meanwhile.

She is unable to cope with the fact that she has ‘Vitiligo’ and feels embarrassed, ashamed, depressed, or worried about how others will react. I’ understand her problem and trying to provide emotional support. But…

Please Doctor, tell us is there any latest drug to cure the Vitiligo problem? Is there any permanent solution? Or at least should get stopped, where it is now? What about her unborn baby inside her womb? Will this affect our sexual relationship and future pregnancy also? Because we don’t want our babies to suffer with the same disease, as she suffers now.

Also, tell us about the possible treatment choices and important medical care.

Thanks!!

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

It would be best to consult a skin specialist and decide about the plan of management in your case according to the sites of involvement and extent of involvement.

'The main goal of treating vitiligo is to improve appearance. Therapy for vitiligo takes a long time—it usually must be continued for 6 to 18 months.

Current treatment options for vitiligo include medical - topical steroid therapy , oral and topical psoralen photochemotherapy and depigmentation using hydroquinone; surgical-autologous skin grafts and micropigmentation, and adjunctive therapies- sunscreens and cosmetic products.'

In some cases, medical treatment for vitiligo may not be necessary. Self-care steps, such as using sunscreen and applying cosmetic camouflage cream, may improve the appearance of your skin. For fair-skinned individuals, avoiding tanning can make the areas almost unnoticeable.

Depending on the number, size and location of the white patches, you may decide to seek medical treatment. Medical treatments for vitiligo aim to even out skin tone, either by restoring color (pigment) or destroying the remaining color.

Medical treatment choices are based on the number of white patches you have and how widespread they are.

You could read more about this condition at the following links -

http://www.medicinenet.com/vitiligo/article.htm

and

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitiligo

Let us know if you need any further information.

Regards.

[lindseyd2400]

First, I understand all of your concerns.
Second, stop worrying.

Be cautious of expensive treatments. I have had Vitiligo since age 4...I am now 29 and have tried numerous treatments. What started out as a small spot on my knee spread over my entire legs, feet, arms and hands. I have learned to live with this disorder.

The only thing that this has caused me is emotional stress. It has not made me sick nor has it effected anything I do.

No one in my family has ever had this either. I also have a daughter who is not effected. Even though doctors say this can be genetic, I don't think it is, my opinion.

You wife should talk to someone who also has the disorder, for emotional support. I know it is extremely hard for her, I went through that emotional stage a long time ago. Everything will be ok.  It is just skin with a different color. I know thats easy for someone to say but I have lived with this my entire life. Please let me know if I can be of any help.
I know I am no doctor but will be glad to discuse it further with you/her.
Congratulations on your new baby!