When Vitiligo Covers Most of the Body
Extensive vitiligo changes the calculus from patch treatment to whole-body approach.
- 50–100%: BSA typically affected (placeholder figure)
- Low: Repigmentation success (at this extent)
- Uneven tone: Common patient concern (placeholder figure)
- 3 main: Options considered (camouflage, tan, depigment)
Why extent changes the treatment decision
Placeholder: broad involvement makes targeted repigmentation impractical.
Camouflage Makeup — Non-Invasive Daily Coverage
Pigmented cosmetics mask patches without altering the skin itself.
- ~8–12h: Coverage duration (placeholder figure)
- Limited: Water/sweat resistance (placeholder figure)
- None: Skin alteration (reversible layer)
- High: Daily time cost (placeholder figure)
How camouflage cosmetics work
Placeholder: matched pigmented creams cover patches temporarily.
Self-Tanning Agents — Blending Tone Chemically
DHA reacts with surface skin proteins to stain a tan color.
- 3–7 days: Effect duration (placeholder figure)
- Partial match: Patch vs normal tone (placeholder figure)
- Surface stain: Skin alteration (non-permanent)
- Weekly: Reapplication (placeholder figure)
How DHA staining blends patches
Placeholder: DHA tints patches and normal skin toward similar shade.
Monobenzone — Permanently Removing Remaining Pigment
Monobenzone destroys remaining melanocytes for uniform depigmentation.
- Months: Treatment duration (placeholder figure)
- Permanent: Reversibility (irreversible process)
- >50%: Best candidate BSA (placeholder figure)
- Lifelong: Sun sensitivity after (placeholder figure)
How monobenzone depigments skin
Placeholder: monobenzone destroys melanocytes, whitening pigmented islands.
Living With a Permanent Choice
Depigmentation is irreversible, reshaping sun care and identity considerations.
- No: Reversal possible (permanent decision)
- Lifelong: Sun protection need (placeholder figure)
- Significant: Psychosocial factor (placeholder figure)
- Yes: Counseling recommended (placeholder figure)
Weighing permanence against extent
Placeholder: irreversibility favors monobenzone mainly for near-total cases.