At Vasavi Skin Center in Bangalore, we understand that discovering white patches on your skin can be concerning. Vitiligo is a common skin condition that causes these patches, and we’re here to help you understand and manage it effectively.
What is Vitiligo?
Vitiligo is a skin condition where patches of skin lose their natural color, appearing white or very light. These patches can be small (less than 1 cm) or larger, and they may appear anywhere on your body. If you have vitiligo on areas with hair, the hair may also turn white or grey.
This happens when your body’s immune system mistakenly attacks melanocytes – the cells that give your skin its natural color. It’s not harmful to your health, but we understand it can affect how you feel about your appearance.
Who Can Get Vitiligo?
Vitiligo doesn’t discriminate – it affects people of all ages, genders, and skin tones equally. However, the patches are more noticeable on darker skin. In India, where many of us have deeper skin tones, vitiligo can be particularly visible.
Most people notice their first patches before age 30, and you might be at higher risk if you have other autoimmune conditions like:
- Thyroid problems (very common in India)
- Type 1 diabetes
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Lupus
- Psoriasis
About 1% of people worldwide have vitiligo, and we see many patients at our Bangalore clinic seeking treatment.
How Does Vitiligo Start and Progress?
Vitiligo typically begins with a few small white patches that gradually spread. Common starting points include:
- Hands and fingers
- Areas around the mouth and eyes
- Forearms and feet
- Face
Sometimes these patches grow and spread, while other times they remain stable for years. Every person’s experience is unique – some have just a few patches, while others have more widespread color loss.
Types of Vitiligo We Treat
At Vasavi Skin Center, we treat all types of vitiligo:
Generalized Vitiligo: The most common type, with patches appearing on various body parts Segmental Vitiligo: Affects only one side or area of your body Mucosal Vitiligo: Affects the lips, inside of mouth, or genital areas Focal Vitiligo: Small patches in one area that don’t spread Trichome Vitiligo: Creates a “target” pattern with three different skin tones Universal Vitiligo: Rare type affecting most of the skin
Common Symptoms
The main symptom is loss of skin color, but you might also notice:
- White or light patches on your skin
- Hair turning white or grey in affected areas
- Sometimes mild itching before new patches appear
- Changes in the color of your eyes (rare)
What Causes Vitiligo?
While we don’t know the exact cause, research suggests several factors:
- Autoimmune response: Your immune system attacks healthy melanocytes
- Genetics: About 30% of cases run in families
- Stress: Both emotional and physical stress may trigger vitiligo
- Environmental factors: chemical contact
Is Vitiligo Painful or Contagious?
No, vitiligo itself isn’t painful. However, the white patches are more sensitive to sunlight and can burn easily. It’s definitely not contagious – you can’t “catch” it from someone else.
How We Diagnose Vitiligo at Vasavi Skin Center
Our experienced dermatologists in Bangalore can usually diagnose vitiligo through a visual examination. We may use a special UV lamp (Wood’s lamp) to see patches more clearly. We’ll also ask about your medical history and check if anyone in your family has vitiligo.
Treatment Options Available in Bangalore
While vitiligo doesn’t require treatment for health reasons, we offer various options if you want to restore your skin color:
Medications
- Topical corticosteroids to help restore color
- Calcineurin inhibitors for sensitive areas
- Newer treatments like Janus kinase inhibitors
Light Therapy
We offer advanced phototherapy treatments:
- Narrowband UVB therapy
- Excimer laser treatment
- PUVA therapy for extensive vitiligo
Surgical Options
For stable vitiligo, we provide:
- Skin grafting procedures
- Punch grafting
- Suction blister grafting
- Autologous melanocyte transfer
Camouflage Solutions
- Medical-grade makeup products
- Micropigmentation (medical tattooing)
- Self-tanning products
Living with Vitiligo in India
We understand that vitiligo can affect your confidence, especially in our social culture. Our team at Vasavi Skin Center offers:
- Counseling support
- Tips for sun protection (crucial in Bangalore’s climate)
- Advice on dealing with social situations
- Connection to support groups
Sun Protection is Essential
In Bangalore’s sunny climate, protecting your vitiligo patches is crucial:
- Use SPF 30+ sunscreen daily
- Wear protective clothing during peak sun hours (10 AM – 4 PM)
- Consider using an umbrella when outdoors
Why Choose Vasavi Skin Center?
Located in the heart of Bangalore, we understand the unique challenges of managing vitiligo in Indian skin. Our team combines:
- Latest international treatment protocols
- Personalized care plans
- Affordable treatment options
- Multilingual support (English, Hindi, Kannada, Telugu)
- Convenient location with easy access
When to See Our Dermatologists
Contact Vasavi Skin Center if:
- You notice new white patches developing
- Existing patches are spreading rapidly
- You’re feeling stressed or anxious about your appearance
- You want to explore treatment options
Frequently Asked Questions
Can vitiligo be cured completely? While there’s no permanent cure, many patients see excellent results with treatment. About 10-20% of people regain complete skin color, especially with early treatment.
Will my children inherit vitiligo? There’s about a 30% genetic component, but having vitiligo doesn’t guarantee your children will develop it.
Which foods should I avoid? There’s no specific diet for vitiligo, but maintaining overall good health helps. Some patients find avoiding citrus fruits helpful, though this isn’t scientifically proven.
Is homeopathy effective for vitiligo? While some patients try alternative treatments, we recommend evidence-based medical treatments for best results.
Can stress cause vitiligo to spread? Yes, stress can trigger or worsen vitiligo. We recommend stress management techniques alongside medical treatment.
Book Your Consultation
Don’t let vitiligo affect your confidence. At Vasavi Skin Center, we’re here to help you manage this condition effectively. Our experienced dermatologists will create a personalized treatment plan that works for your lifestyle and budget.
Contact us today:
- Call: +919347809933
- WhatsApp: +919347809933
- Visit: #439, 1st Floor, Above HDFC bank, 5th Cross, MCECHS Layout, Dr Shivaram Karanth Nagar, Hegde Nagar, Thanisandra, Bengaluru – 560077
Remember, vitiligo is just a skin condition – it doesn’t define who you are. With proper care and treatment at Vasavi Skin Center, you can manage it effectively and live confidently.
Vasavi Skin Center – Your trusted dermatology partner in Bangalore. Offering world-class skin care with a personal touch.
