I’m having a difficult time understanding vitiligo because of the medical terminology. What do these terms mean? Depigmentation; PUVA; Melanin.
As you’ve discovered, when dealing with Vitiligo, there are many medical terms used. To lessen the confusion, a list of key terms regarding vitiligo, the skin, and common vitiligo treatments are listed below.
- Antibodies: Protective proteins that fight infectious agents or other "foreign" invaders.
- Autoimmune diseases: A disease in which the immune system reacts against the body's own organs or tissues.
- Biopsy: Taking a small sample of skin, or other tissue from the body for study.
- Depigmentation: A loss of color in the skin and/or mucous membranes, hair, and retina of the eye.
- Melanin: A yellow, brown, or black pigment that determines skin color and acts as a natural sunscreen to ultraviolet light (UVAs).
- Melanocytes: Specialized cells that produce the pigment melanin.
- Phototherapy: A treatment utilizing ultraviolet light for treating skin conditions, including vitiligo. Ultraviolet light is a type of radiation and exists as part of sunlight.
- Pigment: A substance that provides color to the many cells and tissues of the body. Pigmentation is the actual coloring of the skin, hair, mucous membranes, and retina.
- Psoralens: Prescription drugs containing chemicals that react with ultraviolet light and cause the skin to darken.
- PUVA: Psoralen and Ultraviolet A Therapy. A combination therapy, patients are exposed first to psoralens, then to ultraviolet A (UVA) light.
- Topical steroid therapy: Treatment with a cortisone-like preparation for local use (e.g. cream applied to the skin).
I think I may have vitiligo. If I do, will the colorless patches keep spreading?
There is no way to know if a given depigmented area on your body will spread. For most vitiligo sufferers, the disorder is progressive - meaning that over time, the patch of uncolored skin will spread to other locations on the body. For some, the process is immediate, while others notice a gradual spreading pattern. However, in some individuals the depigmentation remains localized and never spreads.
Other than nutritional supplements like Callumae, what secondary, or alternative, treatments exist?
Alternative treatments are limited when it comes to managing vitiligo. Physically, there are creams and cosmetics that may be used to camouflage depigmented areas of the skin. These products have proven very effective when dealing with vitiligo that exists on highly exposed areas of the body, like the face or hands. Sunscreens are also an integral in the physical management of vitiligo. Using sunscreen prevents the skin from UVA and UVB radiation damage. It also lessens the occurrence of tanning on areas of the skin where melanocytes remain. This is critical for sufferers as minimal tanning makes the difference between normal and depigmented skin far less noticeable.
Emotionally, counseling and the support of your family and friends remains an integral component in coping with this condition. Counselors, mental health or otherwise, are often utilized to:
A: become outlets for discussing personal issues that patients may feel are too difficult to convey to anyone else, and
B: to provide coping mechanisms that keep individual attitudes positive when confronting the physical affects of the condition.
If you suffer from vitiligo, or are a loved one of someone who suffers from the condition, the more coping strategies you learn, the more successful you’ll be in the physical and emotional management of this condition.
If I decide to order Callumae, are Progressive Health's products sent discreetly?
Yes; Progressive Health respects your privacy. All orders will be shipped in a plain, unmarked envelope with a return address from Progressive Health Nutraceuticals Inc. (For more information about our shipping and billing policies, see Shipping and Billing below)
How soon can I expect to see results?
The results derived from Callumae are dependant on both the individual and severity of condition. While a large number of customers yield immediate results, others may see results in only a few short weeks. Generally, we advise that you use the product continuously, for a minimum of 45 - 60 days.
Are there any side effects when taking Callumae?
As with all nutritional supplements, there is potential for reaction. Progressive Health ensures that all potential conflicts and side effects are listed on the product information pages. However, we strongly recommend consulting with your physician if you suffer from any pre-existing conditions (other than vitiligo), known allergies, or if you are currently taking any medications. Based on customer feedback, order history, and regular product overview, there has yet to be a report of any serious side effects resulting from the implementation of Progressive Health products into existing treatment programs.
