What would happen if our body stops producing melanin, a pigment responsible for our skin color?

 

If this were to happen, our chances of getting skin-related diseases would almost double. This condition is called vitiligo, an autoimmune disorder suffered by 1% of the human population. Celebrities like Canadian supermodel Winnie Harlow suffers from this condition. It can happen to anyone of any age.

 

(People Also Like To Read: Psoriasis Treatment in India: Hope for Skin Condition Sufferers)

 

Although there is no cure for the condition, medical advancements have made it possible to keep the disorder in check. Vitiligo treatment in India is gaining momentum around the world due to its cost-effectiveness and high success rates.

 

But, what is vitiligo?

Read on to know more.

 

Vitiligo: A Condition due to Changes in the Immune System

 

Vitiligo is a skin condition that occurs due to changes in the immune system. Our cells contain a skin-coloring pigment called melanin, produced by melanocytes. When the melanocytes stop producing melanin, our skin starts to lose color in the form of white patches. This condition is known as vitiligo.

 

It starts with the appearance of pale patches on the skin, called depigmentation, which continues to grow over time. Some may experience itching before a new patch appears. Furthermore, a person may also see the whitening of hair strands and eyebrows.

 

Causes Of  Vitiligo

 

Vitiligo is classified as an autoimmune disorder. It occurs when our immune system starts destroying the melanocytes. Researchers have added that family history and genes may also play a role in causing this condition. At times, events such as exposure to a chemical, sunburn, or emotional stress may trigger vitiligo or, in some cases, make it worse.

 

Vitiligo may occur if there is a family history of the disease or if the person is already inflicted with an autoimmune disorder, like:

 

• Addison’s disease
• Pernicious anemia
• Psoriasis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Systemic lupus erythematosus
• Thyroid disease
• Type 1 diabetes

Complications due to Vitiligo

 

Vitiligo might not be a painful condition but may cause quite a few complications. This is due to exposure of bare skin to outside elements. It includes:

 

1. Increased likelihood of getting autoimmune disorders

 

People affected by vitiligo have higher chances of contracting other autoimmune diseases such as diabetes, anemia, and hypothyroidism.

 

2. Sunburns due to sensitive skin

 

Tanning is a natural reaction of our skin to sun exposure. When we get under the sun, the melanocytes in our skin start producing more melanin to protect our skin from potential sunburns. This process doesn’t take place when a person suffers from vitiligo.

The pale white patches of vitiligo are devoid of melanin which increases the sensitivity of the skin. Because of this, our skin would get burned rather than simply getting tanned.

 

3. Lower self-esteem

 

Vitiligo can cause someone to feel very insecure about their appearance. It can damage their self–confidence and how they view themselves because it causes their skin to have patches of different colors.

 

4. Eye abnormalities

 

In some people, vitiligo may affect the eye retinas which contain light-sensitive cells and create color variation in their irises. Although you may encounter inflammation in these areas, your vision won’t be affected.

 

Diagnosis of vitiligo

 

Identification of depigmented spots on your skin is the first step in diagnosing vitiligo. If the doctor confirms your suspicions or identifies the pale spots as macules (vitiligo–inflicted pale spots on the skin), they will move forward with the diagnosis by asking several questions:

 

• Whether you have been diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder
• Whether a close relative has been diagnosed with vitiligo
• If you have been under stress recently or went through an emotionally triggering event

 

Doctors may use equipment such as Wood’s lamp (a tool to identify pigment loss using UV rays) to look for depigmentation. The presence of pale patches is a common symptom of many conditions such as sunburn, chemical leukoderma, and even albinism.

 

So, to get a clear picture, doctors may suggest you undergo a biopsy to check the presence of melanocytes. Additionally, you might also be asked to take a blood test to check for other autoimmune disorders.

 

Furthermore, your doctor may also check for uveitis, an eye inflammation that can be associated with vitiligo.

 

Vitiligo Treatment

 

No cure has been developed for vitiligo to date due to the uncertainty of its origin. Scientists have yet to identify the exact cause of this autoimmune disorder. Although this skin condition cannot be healed, treatments can slow it down or stop its progress, help melanocytes grow again, and make the patchy skin look better by returning some color to white areas.

 

For temporary relief, you can use makeup like skin tanners to cover the skin patches. For hair, you can use hair dye to bring color back.

 

If you are looking for long-term relief, your doctor may suggest you some medications and therapies such as:

 

• Pigment removal from unaffected skin using monobenzone cream
• Vitamin D ointment/cream
• Combination therapy (PUVA) with UVA light and the oral medication Psoralen (photosensitizing drug)
• Corticosteroid creams (medicine to reduce inflammation)
• Ointments containing immunomodulators (a substance that suppresses or stimulates the immune system to fight certain diseases)
• Plastic surgery or Skin grafting
• Excimer laser (with UVB light)

 

These medications and therapies will help reduce the pigmentation, resulting in an even skin tone.

 

Latest vitiligo treatment in India

 

The vitiligo treatment in India is touching new skies, due to the state–of–the–art medical treatments that are now available. With rapid medical advancements, India is introducing new advanced treatments for vitiligo such as stem cell therapy.

 

Scientists have tried to use stem cells to treat white patches on the skin because of their anti-inflammatory effects. Also, stem cells possess regenerative abilities, which can create new melanocytes in the spots to help restore their color. This therapy is still in the early phases of medical trials but could cure vitiligo one day.

 

(You Might Also Like To Read: Get Cost-Effective Epilepsy Treatment in India)

 

Cost of Vitiligo Treatment in India

 

Vitiligo treatment in India is getting attention from around the world due to its cut-edging

The cost of Vitiligo Treatments in India ranges from $250 to $600, which is almost one-tenth of the cost of vitiligo treatment in the USA! The latest vitiligo treatment in India such as stem cell therapy costs about $6000 to $12000, with each cycle costing $2000.

 

Best Hospitals for Vitiligo Treatment in India

 

1. BLK Super Specialty Hospital

 

 

The hospital is known to house an excellent dermatology department, offering the best vitiligo treatment in India. Click here to book an appointment.

Established in: 1959

Location: Delhi, India

Accreditation: JCI and NABH

Multi-specialty: Multi-Specialty

Address: Blk Super Speciality Hospital, Pusa Rd, Radha Soami Satsang, Rajendra Place, New Delhi, Delhi 110005

 

2. Artemis Hospital

 

 

Artemis, being one of the most advanced hospitals in India, has a lot of experience in skin-related surgical procedures, and offers both hospital and outpatient care. Click here to book an appointment to get your vitiligo treatment in India!

 

Established: 2007

Location: Gurgaon, Haryana

Accreditation: JCI and NABH

Address: Sector 51, Gurugram, Haryana 122001

 

3. Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital

 

 

It is the only hospital in Mumbai to have a ‘Full-Time Specialist System’ hence, making it one of the best hospitals for vitiligo treatment in India. Click here to book an appointment.

 

Established: 2009

Location: Mumbai, India

Accreditation: JCI and NABH

Address: Rao Saheb, Achutrao Patwardhan Marg, Four Bungalows, Lokhandwala Complex Road

 

4. Jaslok Hospital

 

 

This hospital can be your next stop for your vitiligo treatment in India as it has some of Mumbai’s top dermatologists on its staff. Click here to book an appointment.

Established: 1970

Location: Mumbai, India

Accreditation: JCI and NABH

Address: 15, Dr. G.Deshmukh Marg, Pedder Road, Near Mahalakshmi Temple

 

5. Apollo Hospitals, Jubilee Hills

 

 

Its dermatology department offers specialized care for vitiligo patients. Click here to book an appointment to get your vitiligo treatment in India!

Established: 1988

Location: Hyderabad, India

Accreditation: JCI and NABH

Address: Road Number 72, Opposite Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan School Lane & Near Film Nagar

 

6. Manipal Hospital, Old Airport Road

 

 

The Manipal hospital is one of the fastest-growing healthcare chains, known for its medical specialists and the varied fields of medicine in which they operate. To learn more and book an appointment, click here!

 

Established: 1991

Location: Bangalore, India

Accreditation: JCI and NABH

Address: 98, Kodihalli, HAL Bus Stop

 

7. Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road

 

 

Fortis Hospitals offers a wide range of treatments in both the clinical and operative areas. They are also known for their enhanced palliative care. To learn more and book an appointment, click here!

Established: 2006

Location: Bangalore, India

Accreditation: JCI and NABH

Address: 154/9, Opposite IIM-B

 

8. Medica Superspecialty Hospital

 

 

Medica is known for its renowned surgeons and specialists on its panels. Click here to book an appointment to get your vitiligo treatment in India!

Established: 2010

Location: Kolkata, India

Accreditation: JCI and NABH

Address: 127, Mukundapur, E.M Bypass, Near Metro Cash And Carry

 

9. Aster Medcity, Kochi

 

 

Aster Medcity houses an outstanding dermatology department and is equipped with the latest medical technology. Click here to book an appointment to get your vitiligo treatment in India!

Established: 2015

Location: Kochi, India

Accreditation: JCI and NABH

Address: Kuttisahib Road, South Chittoor. Cheranalloor, Ernakulam

 

10. Gleneagles Global Hospital

 

 

Gleneagles is known for its medical experts and research-oriented medical procedures. Click here to book an appointment.

Established: 1999

Location: Chennai, India

Accreditation: NABL and NABH

Address: 439, Cheran Nagar, Sholinganallur, Medavakkam, Near HCL, Perumbakkam

 

FAQs on Vitiligo Treatment in India

 

What is the cost of Vitiligo Treatments in India?

 

The cost of conventional Vitiligo Treatments in India ranges from $250 to $600.

 

What is the latest treatment for vitiligo in India?

 

The latest vitiligo treatment in India that has come up is stem cell therapy, which costs about $6000 to $12000, with each cycle costing $2000.

 

What are the medicines used for vitiligo treatment in India?

 

The following medicines and supplements are used in the treatment of vitiligo in India:

• Monobenzone cream
• Vitamin D ointment/cream
• Oral medication Psoralen
• Corticosteroid creams
• Ointments containing immunomodulators

 

Choose GoMedii For the Best Vitiligo Treatment in India

 

If you want treatment at the Best Hospital for Vitiligo Treatment in India, choose GoMedii as your healthcare partner. We ensure to make your treatment process hassle-free and top-notch.

 

We have tie-ups with one of India’s most reputed hospitals to get you the best treatment at an affordable cost. Furthermore, to avail of our packages, you can contact us on our “Website” and call us at +91-9599004311. Additionally, you can also email us at connect@gomedii.com. Our team will respond to you on a priority basis.

 

Book Your Appointment Today! [su_button url=”https://wa.me/919599004311″ target=”blank” style=”stroked” background=”#2def2f” size=”4″ icon=”icon: whatsapp”]WhatsApp Now[/su_button]

 

Feel free to drop your queries through this form. Our team of experts will contact you!

 

(People Also Like To Read: Where to Get Autism Treatment in India?)

About GoMedii: GoMedii is a Healthcare Technology Platform That Works Out Your Treatment / Surgery the Way You Need & Plan. A Treatment partner that simplifies the patient journey at every step. Drop Your Queries for the most affordable & world-class treatment options.You may simply download the GoMedii app for Android or iOS.