I posted about proper sun care a few weeks ago, and how the use of sunscreen is so crucial to keeping pigmentless spots safe from the sun. While it is true that these spots can get sunburned way worse than normal pigmented skin, it would seem that based off some of my research, people diagnosed with Vitiligo are not at higher risk of skin cancer. An article from the American Vitiligo Research Foundation says that the "results of two major studies showed that patients with Vitiligo do not have a higher risk to develop sun-induced skin cancer" but that "in the recent past an issue was put forward that PUVA therapy which is a frequently used treatment modality for vitiligo could be of potential risk to enhance the risk of skin cancer" [1].
A Health Buzz article from the US News even says that "Vitiligo may protect against skin cancer". Go figure. It says a "gene mutation linked to the skin condition Vitiligo ...may protect against melanoma" [3]. From what the article says, since Vitiligo is an auto-immune disease, your body is already fighting pretty hard against your skin cells, so you've got an added defense against melanoma. From what I also read in a BBC article, it seems to be a give take gene situation, it is a "common gene mutation that both increases the chance of Vitiligo and cuts cancer risk", and it says later that it helps against the "risk of malignant melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer" [2]. But according to vitiligoguide.com, the "New England Journal of Medicine briefs that the pale skin patches are caused by Vitiligo which increases the risk of melanoma (skin cancer) due to the deficiency of the pigment melanin" [4].
So it is obviously still a heavily debated and researched concept, either way I say you should still be mindful of the sun and your skin. But it is still cool to think that the obvious reaction from everybody who thinks that no pigment means increased cancer risk could be the complete opposite. Alas, it still remains a mystery, as does the disease itself, perhaps we may never know everything about the disease.
Works Cited
[1] http://www.avrf.org/facts/sun.htm American Vitiligo Research Foundation. Date of access 4/22/2011
[2] http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8635844.stm BBC News. "People with vitiligo 'may have skin cancer protection'" Published 4/21/2010. Date of Access 4/22/2011
[3] http://health.usnews.com/health-news/family-health/cancer/articles/2010/04/22/health-buzz-vitiligo-may-protect-against-skin-cancer US News. Published 4/22/2010. Date of access 4/22/2011
[4] http://www.vitiligoguide.com/vitiligo-skin-cancer/ Vitiligo Guide. Posted 6/23/2010. Date of Access 4/22/2011
Friday, April 22, 2011
Podcast: Book Review
A simple book review of Turning White: A Memoir of Change by Lee Thomas. I couldn't figure out how to edit in a title, so it just kind've starts abruptly. Also keep in mind, that I don't like being filmed or watching myself on camera so sorry if I stutter a bit.
Research Report: Vitiligo and Your Diet
One of you who commented on my posts brought to my attention the concept of a Vitiligo diet, I became interested in this and decided to look into finding out more about it myself. One of the websites that was mentioned, antivitiligo.com, has a pretty good summation of what you should and shouldn't eat. Here is some of the list, taken straight from http://www.antivitiligo.com/vitiligo-treatment/vitiligo-diet.html
- Eat vegetables "Like Green Leaves, Beetroots, Spinach Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Carrots"
- Eat fruits "Like Peaches and Apricots, Apples, Banana Mangoes, Black Dates"
- Eat whole grains "Like porridge and whole wheat product are better than the highly refined carbohydrates like pasta"
- Eat legumes "Chickpeas have recently shown in India to be very helpful in Vitiligo"
- Eat protein "Vegetable proteins especially from Soya beans have been found useful for controlling the skin depigmentation. Animal proteins like meat and fish are however generally discouraged by herbalists"
- Stay Hydrated! "Adequate hydration is an important component of healthy diet which should not be ignored" [1]
Apparently Blueberries "contain more anti-oxidants than any other fruit or vegetables", they also contain "powerful photochemical anthocyanins that not only protect the skin but boost brain efficiency including memory". Spinach "contains phytochemicals that help prevent degeneration and protect your skin" just as most nuts contain "protective photochemicals and 'good fats'" [3]. Another website says that you should avoid "cold and phlegm producing foods" which it later says are things like: "fish, beef, brinjal, heavy and light food mixed simultaneously" and "milk, curd, buttermilk" and other citrus type foods as well [5].
More on citrus and Vitiligo, an article from Life Force Homeopathy written by Dr. Rajesh Shah says that all "foods that are excessively sour should be avoided" and that "Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is known to inhibit the production of melanin, the color pigment" [2]. Going along this same track, another site says that "stored sour things, junk food, tinned foods or drinks, chocolates, coffee or cocoa products should not be taken regularly" [4].
Overall, from the looks of things, if I were to completely undertake the Vitiligo Diet, it would pretty much be equivalent to becoming a vegan, because you're going to have to eat pretty much straight organic and no meats. While this is a bit too much for me to handle, I encourage anyone else out there with more will power than me to give this a shot. If it doesn't help with pigmentation, I guarantee it could help with your diet in general.
Works Cited
[1] http://www.antivitiligo.com/vitiligo-treatment/vitiligo-diet.html
[2] http://www.leucoderma.com/app/diet.asp
[3] http://www.vitiligoguide.com/vitiligo-diet/
[4] http://vitiligoleucoderma.com/
[5] http://www.wholisticresearch.com/info/artshow.php3?artid=270
Research Report: Stress In Relation to Vitiligo...
While dermatologists today seem to have a pretty good grasp on Vitiligo and its symptoms, what causes the onset of Vitiligo is still undetermined, but many researchers and physicians have proposed their own ideas on what the answer could be. One of the most prominent theories is a supposed correlation between stress and the onset/outbreaks of the disease.
One such research experiment conducted by the Dermatological Institute of Italy found that "vulnerability to Vitiligo is not increased by stressful events, except for many uncontrollable events" but that in fact, "insecure attachment and poor social support appear to increase susceptibility"[3]. This means that essentially it isn't the stressful event, but one's ability to recover and the support he receives in this process, which would make those who are struggling to make it on their own the most prominent demographic for a late on set of the disease. Another study, conducted by DR. A.K. Gupta, the Founder Director of Om Vidya Institute of Homeopathy and Allied Medical Sciences, showed that "80% of patients revealed that their white patches increase in numbers and size whenever they are mentally stressed". So this study refutes the some of the information listed in the first article, but it does list that they tested a broad range of subjects, "55% males and 45% were female and patients were of all age groups, the youngest being a 6 year old girl student and the eldest was a 74 year old advocate"[2]. While the patient information is not divulged in the first article, it's hard to say how the two compare in terms of subject broadness.
A page on vitiligosupport.org also had some interesting input, with little mention of normal mental stress on the disease, but that perhaps "traumatic events" in someone's life may "trigger or exacerbate Vitiligo in those who are susceptible, though this has not been substantiated". It should also be noted that "surgery wounds or injuries to the skin have also been known to result in Vitiligo, which can spread." [4].
To take a brief repose from the conventional forms of stress, I found an article from Vitiligo Support International that tells about a different kind of stress that may contribute to the cause of Vitiligo. "Oxidative stress" which is "an over-accumulation of hydrogen peroxide in the skin" that is caused by a lack of the body producing "an enzyme called 'catalase'" that helps break it down into water and oxygen within the skin [4]. Not only could this cause Vitiligo, but Oxidative Stress could have a hand in many afflictions including, "atherosclerosis, Parkinson's disease, heart failure, myocardial infraction, Alzheimer's disease, fragile X syndrome, and chronic fatigue syndrome"[1]. So if you feel you may have Oxidative Stress, Vitiligo could be the least of your worries.
Works Cited
[1] http://www.news-medical.net/health/What-is-Oxidative-Stress.aspx. News Medical. Date of access 4/22/2011
[2]http://www.spiritindia.com/health-care-news-articles-530.html. Spirit India. Date of access 4/22/2011
[3]http://vitiligocover.com/does-stress-trigger-vitiligo/ Nathalie. 2004-2011. Date of access 4/22/2011
[4]http://www.vitiligosupport.org/faq.cfm Vitiligo Support International 2000-2008. Date of access 4/22/2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Blog Regarding Vitiligo Takes Perspective Of A Student With The Disease
Richardson, Texas - April 22, 2011 - A 19 year-old college student attending The University of Texas at Dallas has constructed a blog about the skin disorder Vitiligo in accordance to a class he is currently enrolled in.
Griffin Marshall, a sophomore ATEC major, was diagnosed with the disease six years ago and felt that getting the blog assignment in his Writing for The World Wide Web class would be a chance for him to learn and teach others about the elusive disease.
The blog, which will contain posts on everything from potential treatments to brief histories, will be conveyed in multiple forms ranging from normal posts, to podcasts, and even guest entries.
It will also include interviews with some of Griffin's classmates, as well as a reputable dermatologist from the Austin area who diagnosed Griffin six years previous.
Griffin Marshall
gkm090020@utdallas.edu
Ph # 512-289-4171
Guest Entry
(My name is Vincent Lo. Sophomore at UTD. Arts and Technology.)
The Two Basic Categories of Vitiligo
There are several types of vitiligo. Some of these types include focal, mucosal, acrofacial, vulgaris, universal, and mixed vitiligo. (1) That is a lot of different names! I won’t describe these in detail, but all these types can be organized into two basic categories: non-segmental vitiligo and segmental vitiligo. (2)
Non-segmental
Non-segmental vitiligo, or NSV, is more common than segmental. Two characteristics define NSV:
· Generalized
· Symmetrical
NSV is generalized, which means the patches of depigmentation appear anywhere on the body. Also, if these patches appear on one side of the body, it’s in the same place on the other side. For example, a person with NSV might have patches on both hands, both elbows, or both feet. (3) NSV also can appear at any age. (2)
Segmental
Segmental vitiligo, or SV, which isn’t as common as non-segmental, has two main characteristics:
· Localized
· Asymmetrical
SV is localized, which means the patches are limited to a particular area. And because SV is localized, it may only appear on one side of the body. SV appears more commonly in teenage years. (2)
NSV and SV can co-exist. This type of vitiligo is called mixed vitiligo. (3)
(1) Different types of vitiligo. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.vitiligosupport.org/vitiligo/types.cfm
(2) Vitiligo. (n.d.). In Wikipedia. Retrieved April 21, 2011, from
(3) Pelletier, N. (n.d.). What is segmental & non-segmental vitiligo?. Retrieved from http://vitiligocover.com/what-is-segmental-non-segmental-vitiligo/
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Interview With An Expert
This is a brief but concise email interview I conducted with Dr. Adrienne Feasel, a highly renowned dermatologist from Austin who originally diagnosed me with Vitiligo several years ago. Her bio and information about where she practices is provided here: http://www.laderaparkdermatology.com/physicians_feasel_bio.htm. If you live in Austin or nearby and have any questions regarding Vitiligo, I highly suggest getting an appointment with her.
GM: What is Vitiligo and what causes it exactly?
AF: Vitiligo is a skin disorder characterized by depigmentation of the skin, manifest as white macules. It affects 0.5- 2% of the population worldwide. Although the cause is unknown, there is a loss of functional melanocytes (pigment-producing cells) in the affected area. While up to 30% of cases may be familial, most cases of vitiligo occur sporadically. Patients may be affected at any age, but many cases develop at 10-30 years of age. The majority of cases demonstrate depigmentation in limited areas (segmental), but the disease may become widespread in some individuals. The course often progresses slowly, but may stabilize or rapidly worsen for some individuals. The cosmetic appearance is often concerning for patients and may be socially stigmatizing for others.
GM: What are the telltale signs of Vitiligo?
AF: The diagnosis of vitiligo is clinical, with obervation of sharply demarcated white areas of skin. The observation of depigmentation may be aided by the use of a Wood's Lamp. This may be paticularly useful in fair-skinned patients, where the descrepancy between light and white skin is not as apparent. Biopsy demonstrates an absence of melanocytes in the affected area.
GM: Does it have a cure?
AF: There is no single cure for vitiligo. Most treatments attempt to repigment the skin, but response is variable among patients. Topical therapies which may be useful include corticosteroids, and immune modulators (tacrolimus ointment), and vitamin D derivatives. Ultraviolet therapy with narrowband UVB, and photochemotherapy with psoralen and UVA, often provide good clinical response. Excimer laser therapy is also useful for limited disease.Cosmetics (ie, Dermablend) help camoflauge affected skin during or in lieu of treatment. In rare, widespread cases, chemical depigmentation of the normal skin may be employed. It is important to use strict photoprotection as the affected areas are easily sunburned. The discoloration also becomes more apparent if the normal, surrounding skin is tanned.
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