Vitiligo- 7 Key Questions Answered

One estimate says that as many as 50 million people are affected by Vitiligo around the world, and the vast majority develop Vitiligo before middle age.

Review the key facts below to gain an understanding of this distressing condition and put yourself in a position to offer practical help and support.

Just exactly what is Vitiligo?

Vitiligo is a pigmentation disorder which causes white patches of skin to develop on various parts of the body. Mucous membranes found inside the mouth, nose, and genital areas are destroyed. Often hair that grows in areas affected by Vitiligo turns white also.

Vitiligo is NOT contagious!

How is Vitiligo most easily recognized?

The white patches of skin often develop in certain recognizable patterns:

1. The Focal Pattern is where blotches of white skin appear in small limited areas
2. The Segmental Pattern is where patches of white skin appear on one side of the body only
3. The Generalized Pattern is where the areas of pigmentation disorder appear on many and various parts of the body

Parts of the body often affected are around the mouth, eyes and nose, as well as the underarms and also the genital areas.

Who are most likely to be affected by Vitiligo?

There is no delineation according to gender or even race. One common factor though is that Vitiligo sufferers often have an auto-immune disease where an individual's immune system works against their own body organs.

Heredity can also be a factor although the majority of children of parents with the condition are not affected.

What tests are necessary for a doctor to diagnose Vitiligo?

These may include a small biopsy and a blood sample. The doctor may also delve into a person's medical and family history to see if there are other cases of auto-immune disease.

How fast does Vitiligo spread to other parts of the body?

This is very much an individual matter. In some Vitiligo sufferers the condition remains isolated to just a few areas. In others the white patches begin to spread at varying rates. Reports indicate in the majority of cases the blotches will progressively spread.

Are there any other effects from Vitiligo?

Many persons with Vitiligo suffer varying degrees of emotional stress and depression. In the case of young persons especially the effect can be psychologically devastating due to concerns on how they will be accepted by their peers.

When visible body areas are affected an individual may withdraw and not wish to socialize due to fear of being stigmatized.

In view of this, family and friends need to offer strong emotional support, being willing to listen and empathize. There are various support groups and organizations available which do an excellent job. (See the research library in the resource box at the end of this article.)

What solutions are available for Vitiligo sufferers?

Concealing cosmetics can be used to mask the skin contrast.

A variety of medical and surgical procedures are available including steroids, skin grafting and tattooing which implants pigment into the skin.

As research is ongoing, it is wise to check with a medical practitioner to find out the latest options available for Vitiligo sufferers.

In conclusion, it must be recognized that Vitiligo can cause acute distress to those with the condition even though it is not contagious. The emotional and psychological effects however can be contained and minimized through the understanding and support of family, friends and acquaintances.

Free Vitiligo Advice Research Library:

http://www.bodyfaq.com/Advice/vitiligo/vitiligo-faq.htm

Plastic Surgery Research:

http://www.bodyfaq.com/plastic-surgery-library

Laser Hair Removal Research:

http://www.about-hair-removal.com/Laser-Library

Cosmetic Surgery Questions - Part 2

Cosmetic surgery is a rapidly growing field. Not too far in the distant past, people were not willing to discuss anything they may have had done. Today, with more media attention, more people are open to share their experiences. Still, there are some who would like more information about plastic surgery but are afraid to ask. This article will focus on several questions surrounding facial cosmetic surgery.

Will I lose my hair?

While hair loss around the time of any surgery can occur, most people do not lose hair during cosmetic surgery procedures. At times, incisions may need to be made in the hairline and this can cause some local hair loss along the incision line. If this should occur, further procedures can be performed to correct the problem rather easily.

I don't want a windblown look after surgery!

Face lift surgery has been known to cause a windblown look. This is often due to overstretching of the skin and sometimes because the patient has requested a certain procedure to fix other signs of aging. An trained and experienced cosmetic surgeon in facelift procedures should not produce a windblown or pulled look after facelift procedures though. The key to any facelift procedure is to pull the deep structures up nice and tight to reverse the effect that long term gravity has had on them. Then simple redraping of the skin is needed and the windblown look is avoided.

How can I prevent bruising?

Bruising is an inevitable part of any surgical or sometime minimally invasive procedure. This is often variable and cannot be predicted. Certain medications can increase the propensity to bruise and certain over the counter herbal supplements can also increase the propensity to bruise. It is very important to speak with your experienced cosmetic surgeon about all of the medication and supplements you are taking before any procedure. Be sure to speak with your doctor before stopping any prescription medications.

For more information about cosmetic surgery in Frisco and cosmetic surgical procedures, visit Dr. Verret on the web at http://innovationsfps.com

Dr. Verret is a facial plastic surgeon in the north Dallas suburb of Plano, TX. He is board certified in Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery and fellowship trained in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. He specializes only in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the face and neck. His practice includes surgical and non-surgical techniques including Botox, Juvederm, facial fillers, acne scar revision, rhinoplasty (nasal reshaping), blepharoplasty, facelift, eyelift, brow lift, and hair restoration. For more information be sure to visit him on the web or call for an appointment at 972.608.0100.