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Suggest Treatment For Vitiligo On Penis

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Posted on Mon, 19 Jan 2015
Question: Vitiligo on penis. Any natural things to put on it? I am seeing a dermatologist but he didnt want to treat it with medication at the moment due to autoimmune reaction.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Pankaj Borade (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Important to rule out associated autoimmune conditions

Detailed Answer:
Vitiligo on penis is possible, but a rare site.

Here it is important to check for any associated autoimmune condition that includes antibodies to thyroid glands, etc.
I would like to know if there are other areas involved by hypopigmentation other than penis. Areas like peri-oral, or extremities, elbows,etc. Also if there are associated itching or if prior inflamation was present.

When did you notice it and is it progressing in size or stable?
currently i would not advise you to apply medications as any kind of local steroid can lead to atrophy of the skin, the skin on penis is very thin and fragile.

I suggest you get screened for autoimmune antibodies.

Answers to the above questions can help me greatly here.

I would also like to know if you have used any medication before and what?
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Pankaj Borade (3 hours later)
Hi,
I tested for thyroid antobies and it came back with a few and normal range.
I have around eye lid since 15 and it didnt spread other than on penile skin. I have some premature grey hairs on scalp dont know if to do with vitiligo.

I tried steroid cream around my eyes which i brought online, my dematologist said it was dangerous to continue that, although it worked quite well..

Tried nothing for the penile skin yet.

Im trying supplements for better nutritions.

doctor
Answered by Dr. Pankaj Borade (20 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Be cautious with the use of steroids

Detailed Answer:
Hi, well it's a good thing that your anti thyroid antibodies are negative.
Premature grey hair can be due to vitiligo as its a condition that causes me depigmentation of skin and hair. Well there nothing much that can be done to prevent the depigmentation besides a steroid therapy that is to be applied locally.

However even with the steroid it's not curable but provides temporary improvement, at a cost of immense risk. It can cause extreme thinning of the underlying skin and may exacerbate the condition if suddenly it's use is discontinued. Do not use it over tender areas and around organs like eyes, may damage eyes.

Well you need to accept the fact that the cause is unknown or perhaps some auto immune mechanism that is genetically intended and difficult to cure. It's a tough fact to accept but one has to face the reality. I suggest you consult a dermatologist, as only he can give you proper advice regarding the use of certain topical medications. I also suggest you meet a psychiatrist for learning skills to deal with the condition psychologically.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Pankaj Borade (1 hour later)
Mother has auto immune condition too, not skin related.
I am already seen a dermatologist and he dosent think my vitiligo is noticable much around my eyes as im pale anyway. But because pigment is darker on penis it is much visible.
I read many things such as pesudo catalase which was very effective for people?
And some say supplements cured it. Others talk about natural oil to apply on the area such as vanilla etc?
What can you advise about them things?
As far as I can see it seems to only be spreading around the penile skin, and no where else.
Tell me more advise please.
For now I dont think it is a big problem for me, espically the eye area right now.
Penile area is very noticable though as stated and would like to try anything safe and natural.
Thanks
doctor
Answered by Dr. Pankaj Borade (22 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Penile skin is sensitive and delicate

Detailed Answer:
Well, autoimmune conditions do have a strong genetic predisposition,therefore it wasn't unlikely to have one condition in your mother.

About pseudo catalase- the research does show a strong theoretical basis for its effectiveness, however a substantial research is still awaited regarding its side effects and for a clear guidelines for its use, therefore its application over a delicate and sensitive skin of penis is not advisable straightaway.

An expert opinion of a dermatologist can help you here.

An exposure to early morning sun light is the only known natural remedy that is known to be helpful, however it's result are highly variable among individuals.

The role of natural supplements is limited as the cause here is not any deficiency but an enzyme defect.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Pankaj Borade (55 minutes later)
When does the pseudo catalase officially go on the market? I read it might also reverse grey hair meaning big market
doctor
Answered by Dr. Pankaj Borade (5 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Uncertain about its efficacy and side effects

Detailed Answer:
it's available in market, however no substantial evidence suggesting its efficacy and side effects being observed yet. An expert dermatologist can surely be able to help you with this query of yours.
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
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Answered by
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Dr. Pankaj Borade

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2011

Answered : 571 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Vitiligo On Penis

Brief Answer: Important to rule out associated autoimmune conditions Detailed Answer: Vitiligo on penis is possible, but a rare site. Here it is important to check for any associated autoimmune condition that includes antibodies to thyroid glands, etc. I would like to know if there are other areas involved by hypopigmentation other than penis. Areas like peri-oral, or extremities, elbows,etc. Also if there are associated itching or if prior inflamation was present. When did you notice it and is it progressing in size or stable? currently i would not advise you to apply medications as any kind of local steroid can lead to atrophy of the skin, the skin on penis is very thin and fragile. I suggest you get screened for autoimmune antibodies. Answers to the above questions can help me greatly here. I would also like to know if you have used any medication before and what?