What treatments are available for vitiligo?

Condition analysis:
Hello,  Vitiligo is a pigmentation disorder in which melanocytes (the cells that make pigment) in the skin, the mucous membranes, and the retina are destroyed. As a result, white patches of skin appear on different parts of the body. The hair that grows in areas affected by vitiligo usually turns white.

The cause of vitiligo is not known, but doctors and researchers have several different theories. One theory is that people develop antibodies that destroy the melanocytes in their own bodies. Another theory is that melanocytes destroy themselves. Finally, some people have reported that a single event such as sunburn or emotional distress triggered vitiligo; however, these events have not been scientifically proven to cause vitiligo.

Instructions:
Acupuncture produces some noticeable changes in localised vitiligo. Acupuncturists stick small needles into certain areas of your body to unblock healing energy. Acupuncture is found to produce very satisfactory results in vitiligo, when it is localised to one or two patches. Treatment is prolonged one but response is effective.However in extensive or almost generalised condition,and with strong familial history, prognosis becomes less satisfactory. Stimulation of the local and sorrounding skin by acupuncture & hammering stimulates the local and sorrounding melanocytes; selective reactivation of melanocyte stimulating hormone(MSH) may also occur, particularly by ear points. ELECTRO-ACUPUNCTURE and LASER ACUPUNCTURE can also be used for the treatment of vitiligo.