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Aging is a natural process and something that cannot be avoided. However, with a proper skin care regime aging can be delayed and premature aging can be avoided. Wrinkles are signs of aging and in many cases of improper diet, unhealthy lifestyle, and improper skin care.

There are many types of anti-aging skin care products available today. Before you start your skin rejuvenation treatment it is best to gather all information about various anti-aging skin care treatments. It is also advisable to consult a skin care specialist to help you choose the skin care treatment that answers to your aging skin issues.

Basics Of Skin Care Creams

Let me give you the basics of anti-aging skin care creams. Anti-aging skin care creams are made up of substances that help the skin to regenerate its lost elasticity and tissues. Collagen and elasticity are the two basic elements that help in the restoration of moisturizing ability of your skin.

Skin Rejuvenating Ingredients

Now next you might like to know the main ingredients that promote skin rejuvenation. Retin A, also known as Renova Vitamin A is highly recommended for those who need major skin rejuvenation. To begin treatment with Renova you would need a doctor’s prescription.

If you cannot get the prescription, you can start your skin care treatment with one of the retinol alternatives. There are many over-the-counter retinol products with a concentration which can range upto 1%. Before you start your treatment you must understand that the higher the concentration, stronger the treatment. You should also take note of the fact that stronger retinol products tend to cause skin irritations. Therefore, it is always good to start your skin care treatment with lower concentration and then move up to higher concentration.

Another very good anti-aging skin care treatment available is chemical exfoliation. Alpha Hydroxyl Acid (AHA) and Beta Hydroxyl Acid (BHA) are the two most popular ingredients of all chemical exfoliation products.

You must have come across the term antioxidants. Many anti-aging skin care creams use antioxidants to control free radicals, which are very damaging for your skin. Vitamin C Ester, CoQ10, etc. are all very good antioxidants.

Some of the anti-aging skin care treatments can be quite expensive. However, if you start taking care of your skins you can avoid premature aging to quite an extent. Here are a few helpful tips-

* Quit smoking as it is very damaging to your skin.
* Avoid sun exposure and when going out do not forget to apply a sunscreen lotion.
* Eat a healthy and balanced diet.
* Exercise and get eight hours of sleep everyday.
* Drink at least 8 glasses of water.
* Do not forget to apply a moisturizer everyday.

A healthy lifestyle is the key to a good skin care routine. It is never too late to start caring for your skin. If you haven’t made a beginning, start now.

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Get that charming look and glow on your face by taking very little care of your skin. You too can spread your charisma of beauty with the smooth and clean face. External beauty is the result of internal healthiness and hence, a very good and balanced diet is very important for glowing skin. Take plenty of water and other juices made of vegetables and fruit. Intake of at least 2lts of water is must as; it hydrates the body and detoxifies the system leaving a healthy and young skin.

Consume a balanced diet and take vitamin A and E for smooth skin. You can also supplements it by taking break up capsules, fresh fruit and vegetables. Stress leads to damage of skins and results in wrinkles and acne problems. You need 8 hour’s of undisturbed sleep each night and a tension free mind. Hormonal imbalance is caused due to tension and stress ensuing pimples, blemishes and wrinkles at early age.

Identify your skin type - dry, oily or combination and then treat your skin gently. Always keep your skin free from dirt and dead cells. Wash your face twice a day with the right cleanser and use mild scrubs. Exfoliation of skin is very important for removal of dirt and to open the pores to avoid clogging. Use warm water and never be harsh with your skin. Always remove cosmetics before sleeping in the night because your skin also needs to breadth. Use a suitable night cream or just dab aloe vera oil/gel. Avoid using highly fragrant soaps on face; you may just use oatmeal and sugar to clean the surface of your skin. Ensure hypoallergenic beauty products and always splash cold water before the application.

It is always better to cover your skin when exposed to sun and pollution. But too of sun block is also not advisable as, it gives Vitamin D that adds sheen to your skin. Male skin is more exposed to dirt and hence, is 15% oilier than female. A little extra care can work wonders for sensitive skin and is great for under eye treatment. Always use toner and astringents (as per skin type) and odor free after-shave lotions. Toner gives your skin a firm look and prevents clogging of pores. Skin breakouts are the results of oil and dirt in our hands. Avoid touching your face with hands and keep your hair off.

Treat immediately if, you have dandruff problems. Dandruff falls on face and breaks into acnes and pimples. Never touch, pinch, scratch or press your facial skin to get rid of acnes or heads (white/black). Always use applicators to wear makeup or other creams. Keep the applicators and brushes clean for simple hygienic reasons. Another tip is, not to share your beauty products with anyone. A smooth skin is the outcome of personal hygiene and little care.

Your skin lives just as long as you do and reflects the state of your mind and your age but dull, sluggish and wrinkled skin can occur due to inadequate or occasional skin care. Following some simple guidelines and incorporating them in your daily routine can help you get baby soft skin that you’ll love to feel.

Easy Tips and Techniques:

* Remember to cleanse daily, as this is the first step towards acquiring baby soft skin that is smooth to the touch. Cleansing gently but thoroughly brings you one step closer to your goal of younger and healthier skin as it rids the skin of dead cells that give it a dull, sluggish appearance and opens the pores, allowing the skin to breathe. Toning it afterwards helps tighten the pores and vitalize the skin while following up with a good moisturizer helps nourish the skin and supply essential oils for a glowing complexion.

* A weekly exfoliation is necessary to rid the skin of surface impurities and removing the layer of dead skin cells, environmental pollutants that block the pores and cause blackheads and pimples and give it a fresh, youthful look.

* Avoid products with harsh chemicals and go in for those that have a natural base and are primed with vitamins and minerals necessary to replenish the body’s natural ph levels and hydration requirements.

* Apply body lotion and face cream while the skin is still moist with water after a bath/face washing routine as this is the ideal time to moisturize your skin because pores are still open and most receptive to accepting skin nourishment.

* Remember to wear sunscreen at least 20 minutes before leaving the house and reapply every 4 hours if you intend being out in the sun. The reason why babies have such touch-me, soft skin is that they have minimum exposure to harmful UV rays of the sun that cause wrinkles, tanning and skin cancer at the worst.

* Supply extra moisturizing on dry and rough areas like the heels, elbows, knees, and hands, before going to sleep as this is the time when your skin rests and is not subjected to harsh wind or sun damage so can absorb moisturizer better.

* Drink at least half your weight in ounces of water every day. This means, if you weigh 140 lbs., you need to drink 70 ounces of water daily to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.

* A daily dose of a multivitamin will help you in your skin-care fight to ward off damage and wrinkles, while regular application of baby oil after your shower will help absorb it better in the steam-filled environment.

* A variation to this is adding 5 capfuls of baby oil in the bath water and following it up with baby lotion after your bath. Massage this onto your moist skin in slow, circular motions till totally absorbed into the layers to give you a nourished, healthy baby soft skin-tender to the touch.

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New breakthroughs in skin care ingredients and technologies have truly made a science out of beauty. But with the number of new science-based products out there, how can you know which one will work best for you?

Experts say the key is to raise your product IQ. That means staying informed about ingredients and being ready to read labels and packaging with an educated eye.

Fortunately, getting smart about beauty doesn’t need to be difficult. A number of Web sites and other resources are available to help women understand their skin care needs, and a new book provides expert advice on choosing products that might work best for your particular skin type or situation.

Called “The New Science of Perfect Skin,” the book gives readers an insider’s look at the cosmetics industry, as told by a scientist who has developed and tested ingredients and skin care technology for prestige beauty brands for over 20 years.

Daniel B. Yarosh, Ph.D., is widely recognized as a pioneer in the science of DNA repair of the skin and the founder of biotechnology company AGI Dermatics. The book provides Dr. Yarosh’s assessment of every type of beauty treatment and tells readers which ingredients to look for, what’s new in each category and what to expect on the market in the near future. It also features some basic product and skin care facts, including:

• It takes about six to eight weeks to see results from a product.
• The term “clinically proven” on labels only means that the product was tested on people.
• Exfoliation helps to tackle the effects of photoaging, but it also strips away some of the skin’s valuable antioxidants and vitamins. After exfoliating, make sure to apply an antioxidant cream to replenish the skin’s supply.
• To get SPF protection that matches what is on the bottle, you need a full tablespoon of sunscreen for your face alone, which is about twice the amount that most people use.
• It’s not too late to protect skin. People continue to get significant sun damage even after the age of 40, so starting a serious sun protection regimen now can have lasting skin health benefits.

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Many people give different advice and tips for keeping your skin healthy. After working for the last 15 years as a qualified nurse, which has now lead into running my own advanced skin clinic, here are some vital tips I have learnt over the years, that work for me and my clients…

1. Drink plenty of water. We recommend 3 litres, sipped throughout the day, to support maximum skin hydration.

2. Use a high factor sun block (at least SPF 15) at all times, ensuring the product you choose blocks both UVA and UVB rays. Remember, even on a cloudy day, you can still sustain sun damage, if you are not protected.

3. Eat a diet rich in Omega 3 - nuts, seeds etc - will help maintain your skill cell function and promote a youthful complexion.

4. Try to up your intake of anti-oxidant-rich foods and drinks. Fresh fruit and vegetables and juices such as pomegranate and green tea contain valuable anti-oxidants that help protect your body from aging at a cellular level.

5. Exercise regularly to maintain optimum cell functioning and increase blood flow to flush out unwanted toxins.

6. Get plenty of sleep. Doctors recommend 7-8 hours per night for adults, to give your cells and tissues the opportunity to repair themselves.

7. Avoid caffeine, salt, sugar and alcohol as all are toxins and have a direct impact on our overall health and as well as the quality and appearance of our skin.

8. Invest in a good quality skincare regime. Choose a programme that is tailored to your specific skin type. Remember products containing beneficial levels of active ingredients are rarely available off the shelf - consult an experienced skincare practitioner to discover what is best for you.

9. Don’t smoke! As well as giving you lines around your mouth, smoking robs the skin of oxygen and vitamin C and can literally double the rate at which skin ages!

10. Beware of harsh beauty products with high perfume content, astringent properties or scrubbing agents. These skincare ingredients upset the natural balance of healthy skin, can cause dryness and make our skin vulnerable to infection. Instead, choose perfume free products with a ph of around 5.5 that match our skin’s natural state.

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As the warmer months approach and the sun starts to sizzle, health officials warn residents to be wary of sun damage and learn how to best protect their skin.

“I think all of us have underestimated the power of UV rays,” said epidemiologist Kelly Jolliff with the St. Joseph County Health Department.

May happens to be Ultraviolet Awareness and Skin Cancer Prevention Month and a good time to step up sun protection, sun experts say.

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the country, according to research by the Centers for Disease Control, and is often caused by overexposure to the sun,

In 2007, 16 people died of skin cancer in St. Joseph County, according to health department records.

Spokeswoman Meghan Callaghan with Coppertone says consumers sometimes are confused when it comes to understanding the sun.

“It’s important to prevent unintentional sun exposure often gained by daily activities, including walking, biking or gardening,” Callaghan said in a news release.

Callaghan provides a list of sun care tips based on Dr. Patty Agin, a dermatologist at the Coppertone Solar Research Center:

* Incidental sun exposure is the kind of exposure received unintentionally during everyday activities. For the average person, incidental time spent in the sun is projected to account for up to 80 percent of his or her lifetime exposure.

* Ultraviolet radiation means sun rays that more intense in the summer months, at higher altitudes, and in areas closer to the equator; UVB rays are the primary cause of sunburning, premature aging of the skin, and the development of skin cancer. UVA rays are more constant, year-round and penetrate deeper into the skin’s layers.

* Sun protection factor (SPF) is a ratio between the ultraviolet dose required to produce minimal reaction (redness) to protected skin (skin with sunscreen) compared with unprotected skin. The number indicates how many times longer a person can stay in the sun before beginning to burn. (For example, if it takes 15 minutes for a person to burn, an SPF 15 will allow them to stay in the sun 15 times longer without burning.) SPF numbers usually range from 2 to 50.

* Broad spectrum protection is found in some sunscreen products that contain ingredients to protect against both UVB and UVA rays. For example, some broad spectrum sunscreens contain Avobenzone to provide extra UVA protection.

* Photostability refers to the ability of a sunscreen ingredient to maintain protective power and not break down during exposure to UV rays.

Jolliff points out that people with lighter skin color are more prone to burn than those with darker skin shades, particularly those with blue or green eyes and red hair.

Health officials recommend putting on sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher at least 30 minutes before venturing out into the sun. And don’t overlook those ears, noses and necks.

“All the spots you always forget about,” Jolliff says.

Between the hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. is the time where the sun’s rays are the strongest. Jolliff also adds that sunscreen that is not waterproof must be reapplied after going into pools.

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Fall’s the time to repair the price paid for ‘fun in the sun’ and prepare for cooler, dryer air. Then experiment with the season’s new looks!

As healthy as being outdoors can feel, the ultraviolet rays of the sun can damage skin cells through sunscreens and sun blocks. Chlorine and other chemicals in hot tubs and pools, salt water at the beach, and super-conditioned air can leach away nutrients and cause dryness. What to do? Have some fun … create a ’spa’ environment in your bath area and follow these simple steps.

Step one in reversing the effects of summer is to remove the dead surface skin cells that have built up. For your face, select a mask or microdermabrasion product that’s appropriate for your skin type (dry, normal, combination, oily, blemish-prone). Also pick an exfoliator made specifically for the lips. For your body, choose a scrub or buffing cream. If you have sensitive skin, avoid scents and perfumes since they can be irritants. Then follow the product directions for application and use, massaging gently.

Step two is to moisturize the newer, younger skin you’ve revealed. Liberally apply a facial moisturizer (paying special attention to the neck and décolleté), eye cream, lip balm, and body lotion (or cream), allowing time for the products to be absorbed into your skin. You want to replace the moisture that’s been stripped away during cleansing, restore what’s been lost during the summer and start to protect against cold weather and dry indoor heat.

Now, after each cleansing, apply moisturizers and, if necessary, increase the intensity of the products. At night, use a specially formulated product for your face that works while you sleep. For problem areas such as elbows, knees, hands and feet, put on extra lotion or cream (wear mitts and footies to bed, as needed). During the day, continue to wear sunscreen or sun block to protect your skin from ultraviolet rays.

As sun exposure or a tan fades, adjust your foundation and/or powder to a lighter shade. Test the shade along your jaw line to blend with both your face and neck; watch to see if it “disappears” into your skin.

The lighter, sun-kissed colors of summer typically transition to darker, earthier colors in fall. If you’re trying to adapt the season’s shades or find the hues that work best for you, try these “tricks.”

For eyes, eye shadows with a base or elements of color opposite that of your eyes (on the color wheel) will make your eyes stand out the most. Consider a wide spectrum of the colors that are in style. If teal’s fashionable, experiment with different tints of blues and greens and blue-greens. Mix colors or tone them down with neutrals until you find the ones that complement your face and wardrobe.

For cheeks and lips, the most flattering colors are usually the ones that pick up the natural warm tones in your face.

Once you’re ready, enjoy the season!

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Men usually don’t care about our skin. It’s a simple fact.

We tend to think we are made from an indestructible material, and that our skin is made of iron. And so, we go on in life, shaving everyday, standing in extreme weather on our vacations, and eating junk food. But hey, our skin is actually deteriorating each passing day, and it’s not a matter of attitude, “machismo”, or whatever you’d like to call it. It’s a matter of health. And in today’s world men facial care is even a matter of social life.

You may not know this, but we men, have very sensitive skin. I used to ignore this also, until I notice my skin was getting too dry, now I have to use baby’s soap because the doctor told me that my skin type is very sensitive. He went on saying that a large portion of men have this same type of skin, and it is due to bad eating habits, lack of exercise and basic men facial care treatment . But what is most disturbing is that most men also ignore this, or they do not take proper action.

So what is proper action?

There are certain habits to take in consideration when you start caring about your facial skin care. Here are some tips that will help you get started in men facial care:

* Drink water, a lot. Water is good for overall health; it is a common advice to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day.

* Buy vitamin supplements. To have a healthy skin you should include in your diet multi-vitamins. Particularly helpful to your skin is the Vitamin E.

* Exfoliate your face twice a week. Exfoliation helps removing the dead cells on your facial skin, the result will be a skin free of impurities.

* Protect yourself from the sun. Keep in mind doing it in a healthy way, for example if you’re staying too much time outdoors with a hot weather. Don’t use too much, because sun blockers contain chemicals. Nowadays even some moisturizers have sun protection.

Remember this is all men facial care basic stuff. People have different skin types that have their own issues. You should visit your doctor if you notice anything strange in your skin. However this tips will help you in having a healthier, better looking skin. Bottom line is, start taking care. The web has plenty of information regarding these issues and is a good place to start.

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With warmer weather and longer days, everyone wants to escape the confines of the indoors.

But with the fun of basking in the sunshine comes the extra need to avoid skin problems.

“When going from cooler to warmer weather you can run into several problems such as hay fever, asthma and eczema,” said Dr. Joe Moyer, an allergist at the Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Center in Myrtle Beach.

“As temperatures get warmer, some individuals break out in hives. That probably has something to do with how the skin regulates body heat using the skin as a radiator. The blood vessels in the skin dilate to cool the body and that can worsen the rash we call hives.”

Humidity also can promote allergic reactions, he said.

“If you are prone to having eczema, sweating can cause it to itch and the scratching will result in a rash. We sometimes call eczema ‘the itch that rashes.’ People will typically itch first, then scratch, and then get the red, dry, flaky skin a few hours later.”

Some chemicals used in various commercial products also can cause allergic reactions, a condition called contact dermatitis, to many of the chemicals used in commercial products such as sunscreen.

“Contact dermatitis does not respond to treatments with things such as Benadryl,” Moyer said. “It responds better to steroids. So if you have not been exposed to outside plants like poison ivy, it may be something you are putting on your skin.”

Warmer weather also may cause some people to have breakouts of acne or blackheads because of increased oil production, said Catherine Pelton of Dermavogue Aesthetic Laser Center.

“In summer, people will benefit from cleansers with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide in it to help control oil production,” she said.

Pelton also stressed the need for protecting skin from the sun.

“It’s important in any season to use sunscreen, especially in summer,” she said. “Make sure it has UVA and UVB protection and a SPF of 30 or more. Then of course, water intake is very important, too. Also, wear lightweight clothes that allow the skin to breathe more.”

Larissa Gedney, clinical nutrition manager at the Conway Medical Center, said staying hydrated during the summer is important.

“It can be very easy to become - and actually very dangerous if you become - dehydrated. So fill up on eight glasses of noncalorie fluids like water, Crystal Light and things like that. Other popular summertime drinks, if they have too much caffeine, can have a counterproductive effect in staying hydrated. Alcohol and caffeine act as a diuretic and do not fill the need.”

Some foods are good for the skin as well, she said.

“Fruits and vegetables are helpful especially now,” she said. “Also try to eat foods that have antioxidants in them and foods with vitamins C and E. Fatty acids such as Omega 3 and Omega 6 found in walnuts, bananas and almonds are also helpful for the skin.”

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Vitiligo is a very difficult skin condition to treat and often there is no single perfect answer. This is particularly true if areas of involvement are limited to those trauma prone regions. These areas are much less likely to re-pigment than perhaps a patch on the torso. Remember, that the melanocytes in vitiligo-affected areas are dead, so no therapy can make them viable. Instead, treatment is aimed at melanocytes that live on the periphery of the affected region, coaxing them to migrate into the area, especially from the hair follicles.

The destructive process is the key to how vitiligo is treated. White blood cells come in to the region, which typically kill germs. By preventing these WBCs, as they’re known in medical jargon, from coming into the area or deactivating their inflammatory assault upon the melanocytes, some degree of therapy can be achieved. However, this is typically limited to the use of topical steroids on early symptomatic itching, pink or red patches. No matter the baseline skin tone, a dermatologist can typically interpret redness to the skin when inflammation arises. Topical steroids do have potential side effects such as thinning of the skin, increased bruising of the treated area as well as developing superficial blood vessels (telangiectasias). This means that their chronic use is not advocated.

The use of medical light therapy known as PUVA can help stimulate the migration and reproduction of skin pigment cells from within adjacent hair follicles into the affected region. PUVA incorporates the use of Psoralen (a medication) and UVA light (Ultraviolet A). The combination of these 2 entities stimulates this process than UVA alone. Psoralen, whether used topically for limited affected regions, or taken orally for more widespread therapy, is taken up by the DNA of the skin cells and preferentially attracts the light waves this area. The drawback to this is that the treated skin areas (if used topically), or the entire body as well as the eyes (if taken orally in the form of prescription oxpsoralen ultra), stays activated for 24 hours! This means you must take great pains to protect the skin and/or eyes from sunlight during this time with the use of sunscreen and/or protective UV goggles.

Areas of involvement are typically treated with PUVA 3 times a week (if general PUVA is done for widespread disease) or once a week for limited, topical PUVA. I would guestimate that it takes a good 3 months of treatment for re-pigmentation. It is common to see the rim of the affected area where normal skin tone remains to darken up more than the normal skin tone (think of what happens with a tan) and islands of color start to form scattered within the white areas. Over treatment time, these islands coalesce. Remember, that larger flat patches of vitiligo not associated with commonly traumatized regions are much easier to treat. It is commonly asked if a treated area will lose its color later on, or if treatment prevents the loss of color in other areas nearby. There is no absolute answer, but usually, a treated area of vitiligo that re-pigments keeps the color indefinitely or at least on a long-term basis. Treatment does not necessarily guarantee a previously normal area will not depigment in the future.

Drawbacks to PUVA include the obvious consumption of time and effort as well as a higher risk for developing skin cancer, sun burns, cataracts, and advancing the aging process of the skin.

Cosmetic cover-up of white patches is important for easily seen areas of the skin, whether or not someone is undergoing treatment. There are a variety of products available ranging from Covermark by Lydia O’Leary (my favorite) to Dermablend and skin dyes known as Vita-Dye or DY-O-Derm Vitiligo Stain. Covermark by Lydia O´Leary is carried by sales people who rep from their homes, and offers a wide array of colors which are then uniquely blended to match your skin tone. I once held a seminar with a variety of vitiligo patients and had the various products demonstrated. Covermark was the most aesthetically appealing at the time. Dermablend is often carried in department stores such as Penneys. Vita-Dye was the least appealing as it conveyed a yellowish-brown cast to the skin. While I have never tried a self tanner for vitiligo patients, I would presume that only those individuals with lighter skin tones would find this helpful. Most African American patients or other patients with darker skin tones would be best treated with one of the specialty blended cover-up makeups such as Covermark.

In rare instances, patients left with minimal islands of normal skin tone may be better off permanently destroying these islands of skin tone. If this is done, it is not something you can go back and fix. It is rumored that Michael Jackson had vitiligo and underwent this process, but this is merely a rumor to my knowledge. Permanent destruction of skin tone is not a medically ethical procedure to simply lighten-up someone’s skin. Depigmentation is accomplished with a prescription agent known as Benoquin (20% monobenzylether of hydroquinone). It must be used twice a day and results may take as long as a year to adequately achieve complete depigmentation. Permanent depigmentation results in a complete absence of melanocytes thus exposing the patient to a much higher risk of developing skin cancer, much the same way that the presence of vitiligo does.

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Protopic is a topical prescription medication for eczema. It may help with your itching, but is not designed to address any of the pigmentation issues. Temporary skin dyes like DY-O-Derm Vitiligo Stain may reduce the appearance of your white patches. Discuss with your prescribing physician their recommended length of treatment.

Virtigilo Often referred to as “that skin problem Michael Jackson has”, vitiligo is an insidious, cosmetically disfiguring skin condition. Distress is commonly experienced by vitiligo patients and can result in a lowering of self esteem or even depression in certain instances. Vitiligo is a condition in which the body turns on the skin pigment producing cells known as “melanocytes” and destroys them in much the same manner that it would destroy a germ. This results in white patches on the skin. Size may vary, but it is common to see them develop in a symmetrical manner on both sides of the body. The white patches start out light and ultimately as the melanocytes die off in large numbers, the affected area takes on a stark white appearance. Vitiligo may be limited to small patches or widespread, leaving rare islands of skin color that appear to be the “abnormal” skin color. Vitiligo arising in areas of hair growth will typically result in the hair losing pigment and becoming white as well. Vitiligo is not a contagious condition nor cancerous, but does appear to have some genetic predisposition in approximately 20-25% of affected patients.

As vitiligo is accompanied by the inflammation necessary to destroy the pigment cells, there is often itching or redness of the affected site prior to the loss of skin tone. Individuals affected by vitiligo learn to recognize this early phase, as this is the time when therapy may help stop or at least reduce pigment destruction.

Vitiligo falls in to a class of diseases known as autoimmune diseases. All autoimmune diseases involve the body’s traitorous turn upon a system or organ of the body. Vitiligo affects between 1-2% of the American population. There does not seem to be a preference between the sexes, nor is there a racial predilection, young patients below the age of 21 tend to be as affected as those above that age. While cosmetically unappealing, fortunately, vitiligo does not have systemic implications or health risks. Unfortunately for vitiligo sufferers, there is an association of a higher rate of thyroid disease. One problem does not cause the other, but all vitiligo patients are encouraged to have a blood test for thyroid disease annually.

Vitiligo most often arises on areas of the body prone to constant trauma such as the lips, elbows, knees and knuckles. However, no portion of the body is immune to developing vitiligo. Most people tend to develop more nuisance types of vitiligo patches. Widespread vitiligo is a more unusual occurrence.

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