Frequently Asked Questions

---

A chronic auto-immune skin condition characterised by appearance of milky white patches caused due to a destruction of melanocytes the skin. Vitiligo commonly affects 1%-2% of the global population however, is more visible in darker phenotype individuals.

Vitiligo is an autoimmune disorder that presently has no cure in the literature. However, it can be managed by partial or even total re-pigmentation of the white patches using the available treatment options discussed on this website. In some cases patients might find benefit in combining two scinces such as modern medicine and Ayurveda.

In cases with stable vitiligo more than 3 years, patients might opt for melanocyte transplant or micro pigmentation. 

Nonsegmental vitiligo does have a genetic predisposition of 2% i.e. there is a chance of spread to the next generation in 2 out of 100 cases. This incidence will increase if both the parents suffer from vitiligo and/ or a members in the family suffers from vitiligo.

However, this percentage is more if positive family history of diabetes, hypertension or hyperthyroidism is present.

Segmental vitiligo is non genetic.

In patients with black hair over the white spot, chances of recovery are relatively better due to the presence of melanocytes in the epidermis. In patients that develop white hair over the white spots time of recovery is longer but the prognosis is not necesarily poor.

Patients often focus on diet more than they should as it is something they feel that is in their control. However, diet has little role to play in the recovery of a vitiligo patient. Diet restrictions as often advised by practitioners in the country can lead to more deficiencies in the long run. 

There are some studies in Ayurveda that mention that avoidance of citric fruits can help in the recovery however, this has not been verified by modern science yet. 

Patients are advised to manage their stress as stress is a known aggravating factor in vitiligo

Tattooing over a white spot is recommended in select few cases only. Micropigmentation can be done over stable white patches on the lips, areola and small patches on the finger tips.

There have been 0 cases in the world where vitiligo has spread from one person to another to touch or contact

Non segmental vitiligo tends to spread faster than segmental vitiligo. The rate of leucotrichia or hair whitening is also faster in NSV compared to SV. 

In order to reimburse treatment costs through the Indian Vitiligo Association, drop us an email at info@indiavitiligoassociation.com. We will get back in touch with you with the required documents.