Repigmentation – Its role in managing vitiligo
The skin gets its pigment or natural color from melanin-producing cells known as melanocytes, which also protect the skin from the sun’s harmful effects. Certain conditions, like vitiligo, often classified into segmental and nonsegmental, can cause abnormal melanocyte development. Depending on the type, the skin can gradually or rapidly start losing its color in certain or all areas of the body. So, individuals with vitiligo may require treatment involving repigmentation or restoring the skin’s pigment.
Nonsegmental vitiligo vs segmental vitiligo
In nonsegmental or bilateral vitiligo, the skin on both sides of the body starts to lose its natural pigmentation. For instance, the condition might cause symmetrical white patches to appear on either side of the body, such as on both hands or knees. It is an autoimmune disorder and is often triggered by other autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Addison’s disease. This form differs from segmental vitiligo, which causes rapid pigment loss on just one side. After 6 to 12 months, this type of vitiligo stops spreading. This means the color loss stops, and no new patches or spots develop.
Repigmentation to manage vitiligo
Repigmentation involves restoring the color or natural pigment of the skin with the help of various processes, such as light therapy or surgery. Often, repigmentation is one of the main ways of managing the condition and is usually done if an individual has widespread vitiligo.
- Light therapy
Also known as phototherapy, light therapy involves using light boxes, medical-grade lasers, or UVB or ultraviolet light sources. Here, the skin is exposed to any of these sources over several sessions to restore its pigment. - Surgery
This can involve procedures like skin grafting and blister grafting. Skin grafting involves using skin from one part of the body to cover a vitiligo-affected part. A similar procedure is followed with blister grafting.
Topical creams to manage vitiligo
Creams are also sometimes used to restore skin pigment. These topical options are available in ointment form, which can be used on affected areas to slow down the progress of vitiligo. Dermatologists may prescribe these to manage vitiligo, especially the nonsegmental type.