Vitiligo or the ‘white spot’ is not a medical disorder, yet it has been a cause of depression to 1-3% of the population. Vitiligo is characterized by areas of hypo or de-pigmentation on the skin surface due to destruction or loss of the cells that give colour to the skin, resulting in deficient or absent skin pigmentation in these areas.

Vitiligo is not a life threatening disease. The SkinCiy philosophy on Vitiligo is that it is not a disease at all. Dr. Niteen Dhepe, Medical Director SkinCity and Founder of the Janaki Medical & Social Charitable trust, has worked very hard to de-stigmatize this condition. The trust has won the “Pride of India” title by the Maharashtra Journalist foundation for its notable social contribution to the cause.

Vitiligo is surrounded by many mysteries and myths. But the truth is simple.

Vitiligo is not genetic, it is familial. It is not contagious and it is definitely not leprosy. It is not untreatable and does not affect any internal organs. It is only skin deep.

SkinCity is the largest medical set up in India that treats Vitiligo with lasers. The first Eximer lasers, XTRAC & VTRAC were launched by SkinCity a decade ago. SkinCity has also done research on Cyanoacrylate Lamination technique for skin grafting in Vitiligo. Several surgical procedures of Miniature punch grafting or MPG, suction blister grafting, MCS or melanocyte cell suspension are successfully carried out at SkinCity regularly with positive results.

In some cases Micropigmentation or skin tattooing can be done to colour the de-pigmented skin when other options are contraindicated. If hair on the eyebrow or scalp and in the case of men their facial hair is affected, then hair transplantation can be considered to give a natural look. Depending on the areas affected, age and progression of the condition, those affected can enjoy long periods of remission and even permanent cure. So people with vitiligo can choose to come out of this ‘white darkness’. They can choose the colour of their skin.