VITILIGO

Now lets talk about a different type of skin disease called Vitiligo. This skin condition destroys the melanocytes that produce skin color, leaving the skin without color. Medical experts, such as Dermatologists, say there is no cure, and this is caused by an autoimmune disorder, or stress or hormone dysfunction. They also say this disease is hereditary but not contagious. Many patients who suffer from this disease are given different types of treatments such as medicated creams, which burn the skin, PUVA ultraviolet light treatments, or prescribed medication to quicken the bleaching process. One patient was told to drink snake oil, or to eat a certain type of plant and their skin color would return to normal. When vitiligo strikes, it begins to eat the skin in large and small patches, all over the body. Common cases start with hands but vitiligo also affects the arms, feet, neck, face, back and legs. It leaves the skin with large white spots.

Micro-Pigmentation is a permanent solution for vitiligo sufferers. Microscopic flesh tones that camouflage and replicate pigment are inserted into the skin to match the skin color perfectly. Not only does this process help cover and protect the skin from harmful sun exposure permanently, in many cases, the patient’s own melon restores itself and produces new skin and new color. Many vitiligo patients suffer from depression, low self-esteem, and often thoughts of suicide and think they are left without hope.

Scar Treatment Center of the Desert, Inc. and Permanent Makeup founded the first Vitiligo Sponsorship program. This program was created to aid the vitiligo patient with funding, when the disease has reached an advanced stage, and multiple regions of the body needs to be camouflaged. The sponsor funds one or more regions of the body for the vitiligo procedure. For example, one region would consist of two hands, front and back for one year of camouflage therapy. After a few sessions, the patient will find they no longer find the need to hide his/her hands, and can begin a more productive life. A sense of self-esteem will be regained. Just a little color can go a long way!