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I recently went to see my GP about some patches of lighter skin on my arms. I have had one patch for a number of years which hasn't changed and recently I noticed a couple more. These patches do tan but not as deeply as the rest of my arm. My GP seems to think that it is vitiligo but said to try some selsun shampoo on my arms just in case it is a fungus. I found it difficult to believe that it could be vitiligo as I have only seen pictures of skin with completely depigmented areas and not areas like mine but she said that they do exist and I have since found out that there is a type of vitiligo called 'trichrome' or 'tan' vitiligo, although I don't know any more than that. I have read up on fungal infections and the closest match is tinea versicolor however my skin is not scaling and it started on my forearms so I'm not sure it's that.
Whilst using the shampoo I noticed my arms went slightly red and the skin started flaking and I have also noticed more light patches on my arms so I have stopped using it. Should I continue using it or will it do more damage if indeed I do have vitiligo?
I have managed to persuade my GP to refer me to a dermatologist but apparently there is a long wait. Please can you help in distinguishing my skin condition as I'm getting desperate, the summer is approaching and I'm wondering if the sun will exacerbate the condition and whether I'll feel comfortable showing my arms.
Regards
Helen
In Reply to: Vitiligo or fungal infection? posted by Helen on March 17, 2002 at 09:16:19:
I can not tell you if you have vitiligo or not but i would not take a chance out in the sun without a great sun block;
Always apply a sunscreen with a sun protector factor [SPF} of 15 or higher, especially the unpigmented areas. They have no natural protection against the sun's ultraviolet rays [if Vitiligo];
In Reply to: Vitiligo or fungal infection? posted by Helen on March 17, 2002 at 09:16:19:
It is really hard to say if this is vitiligo or not. Mostly , when vitiligo starts spreading, you will experience an itching before loss of pigment. There is a great site for vitiligo called Maelstrom. Look it up under one of the many search engines such as Google.
On that site, there is a lot of info. about Vitiligo possibly being caused by malnutrition. And also that it could be an auto-immune disease.
If you cannot find it, let me know and I will find it for you.
Sincerely
Sadie
In Reply to: Vitiligo or fungal infection? posted by Helen on March 17, 2002 at 09:16:19:
Hi, Helen.
MY guess is that you have found the diagnosis yourself: "Tan Vitilego".
Either diagnosis would not be aggravated by sun exposure. Tanning just makes it more obvious because of either one's effect on melanocytes.
I think your doc has given you the best way to proceed but the stuff you are using must be stopped at once. Your doc can recommend alternatives like Nystatin topical, Nizoral topical, etc.
Of course if htis IS "tan vitilego" nothing you do will make a difference.
HOWEVER, having said that, self-hypnosis has been found to be effective for even full blown vitilego and would be even more effective with the "tan" variety because there are still healthy melanocytes present--just reduced numbers.
The only thing the dermatologist can do differently (and your first doc could have done this as well) is take a very small biopsy from the edge of one of the spots and send it to the lab with the suspected diagnosis.
Let us know what you learn.
Walt
In Reply to: Re: Vitiligo or fungal infection? (Archive in skin discoloration.) posted by Walt Stoll on March 18, 2002 at 07:37:02:
Walt
You suggested self-hypnosis as a way of treating vitiligo, can you please elaborate as I am not sure how I would go about it.
Thanks
Helen
In Reply to: Re: Vitiligo or fungal infection? (Archive in skin discoloration.) posted by Helen on March 19, 2002 at 06:37:02:
Hi, Helen.
As you probably know, ALL hypnosis is "self-hypnosis". The teacher only helps the student learn how to do it for themselves.
ALL hypnotist therapists know this but not all practice it that way. Some promote the fiction that everyone needs the hypnotist every time (for economic reasons only). SO, you need to be sure you pick someone who knows the truth and will develop that skill in YOU.
Even if it does not resolve the vitilego, it is a powerful tool for SR, painless dentistry, pain control for trauma, etc. You will be very happy you have the skill.
Let us know how you do.
Walt
Walt
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