Vitiligo - Men's Health Message Board

Kiltee · 10-03-2002, 09:37 AM

Sorry to be a pest with another enquiry, but I have had no luck in trying to obtain much information from my doctor about this problem.

I suffer from minor vitiligo, a lack of natural pigmentation (melanin, I think it is) in small patches of my skin. Normally it isn't too noticeable as I have very pale skin and live in a fairly cold climate. Unfortunately, when I do get tanned, I have very noticeable patches of white around my mouth and eye sockets. I'm aware of the problems that a lack of pigment can have in terms of protection against skin cancer, and use sun block accordingly, but find that I still tan (on the patches of my skin which DO contain pigment) through the sun block. This means that whenever I go abroad, I end up with these horrible patches which remain until the tan fades. I know that research on this type of affliction is far more advanced in the US than anywhere else, so does anyone over there have any information on any cures that they know of?

wrin · 10-06-2002, 02:11 AM

as far as I know, there is no cure.

it could be much worse, I've heard of african people with this disorder, now THAT would look disturbing.

Speaking personally having seen many people with this problem, it might seem kind of unwelcome to you but a decent bronzing concealer or something might help to feather out the edges a bit. Make sure you match perfectly to the shade of your tan though -- and this is the trick.

If I were you, I'd just not worry about it. They may seem horrible to you, but really, they don't look as bad as some problems. I mean, you could have eczema.