There are several myths surrounding vitiligo. Patients who notice irregular white patches on their skin should speak with a skincare professional. These white patches get progressively larger and may be a source of embarrassment for many patients. Although there is no known cure for vitiligo, certain treatments are available to reduce the contrast between normal skin and the white patches on the skin. Sorting through the myths and facts about vitiligo is important for patients suffering from the condition.

Is it Contagious?

No. Vitiligo cannot be spread from one person to another. It is safe to touch, hug, kiss of have sexual intercourse with a person who has vitiligo. The cause of vitiligo is not fully understood, but the condition is not passed from one human to another via sneezing, coughing, sharing food, a bed or in any other way.

Does diet play a role?

No. Diet does not cause vitiligo and does not play a role in its development. This is actually a fairly common myth, and while doctors and scientists have theories as to the cause of vitiligo, diet does not play a role.

Is it related to albinism?

No. Albinos are born with melanin cells that do not produce pigment. Patients with vitiligo once had functioning melanin cells, but they have since stopped working. Also, patients with albinism have white skin all over their body, and have white hair, eyebrows and irises, while those suffering from vitiligo have white patches on their skin.

Is it related to skin cancer?

Some scientists believe that vitiligo does not lead to an increased risk of skin cancer, although others believe that the white patches are more prone to sunburn. To learn more about the possible link between skin cancer and vitiligo, consult a physician. There is no known cure for vitiligo and its cause is not fully understood. Therefore, there are no known ways of preventing vitiligo. There are, however, resources for patients suffering from vitiligo that offer information about treatment and how to reduce the contrast between the white patches and normal skin. The best resource is a skincare professional, while SkinCareGuide.com offers further information as well.

I’m back on Retin-A after a couple years off, not because I have acne, but because I love how Retin-A makes my skin look and feel so great after just a couple weeks of use. Retin-A, you’ll recall, was THE pimple medicine of the 90s, before Accutane took over. Dermatologists have known the anti-aging benefits of Retin-A for years and many skincare experts (who have their own lines, mind you), swear vitamin A is their secret weapon when it comes to their own skin care.

Some bits about Retin-A and other anti-aging products:

1. It’s best to use Retin-A under the guidance of a dermatologist. Here in the U.S., it’s not an over-the-counter product. Yes, I have to say this, even though I get the stuff over-the-counter in Mexico.
2. You will peel. My skin is currently peeling in patches, a minor annoyance in my quest for dewy, youthful skin. This is typical the first two weeks with Retin-A.
2. Gotta wear sunscreen. Skin is extra-sensitive to the sun. You have to very careful to stay out of the sun when on Retin-A.
3. Stick with it. Many women abandon skincare regimens because they can’t stand the redness or peeling and think it’s not working.

taken from about.com by Julyne Derrick Saturday September 29, 2007