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Hi Doctor, My Mom Has White Patcha On Her Skin,

Posted on Tue, 2 Feb 2021

Question: Hi Doctor, My Mom has white patcha on her skin, stomach, neck and now it's appearing on lips, we did previous some treatment, please share your contact details need to consult

Answered by Dr. Dr. Prasad J (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Get thyroid functions checked again...

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

From what you described it seems like there are multiple depigmentation areas affecting different areas of the skin. Besides the patches does she have any other symptoms such as itching along with it. Is she able to sense touch on the affected area.

The closest possible condition that I can think of is vitiligo. It occurs as the skin cells fails to produce melanin. The reason for loss of melanin is unknown. However many a times the problem could be familial. Is there any one else in the family with similar issue. Sometimes an infection, thyroid as well as diabetes may trigger melanin production failure. At times it could be due to an autoimmune problem.

I will recommend that she visits a dermatologist for close clinical examination. The doctor will run some tests - both on the skin as well as few blood tests to confirm / rule out the condition.

I am not allowed to share personal / contact details. Therefore I recommend a dermatologist consultation.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Prasad J (5 minutes later)

yes it's vitiligo, she has this since she was 18 but it's increased now and she had thyroid also from last 4 years, there's no itching on white patches

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Prasad J (2 minutes later)

no one has this issue in family

Answered by Dr. Dr. Prasad J (24 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Creams and light therapy...

Detailed Answer:
Apologies for the late reply.

I understand your concern about increasing white patches. Though vitiligo is a harmless condition, it is a difficult condition to treat. Light therapy using ultraviolet A is the most common and useful treatment. She can consult a dermatologist / cosmetic clinic and plan for it.

Besides light therapy, immunosuppressants creams and steroid preparations are also recommended in the treatment of vitiligo. However in my opinion, these could be avoided during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Lastly, certain herbal preparations, multivitamins and antioxidants such as vitibex and others can be used along with light therapy for improved vitiligo treatment. She can also consider ayurveda treatment using supplements like ginkgo biloba and others for vitiligo problem.

I will recommend visiting a dermatologist and discussing all these available options.

Hope this helps. Let me know if you need clarifications.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad