What Is Vitiligo?
Vitiligo is a long-term skin condition characterized by the loss of pigment, resulting in white patches on the skin. This happens when the cells that produce melanin (the pigment that gives skin its color) are destroyed or stop functioning. Vitiligo can affect any part of the body, including the hair, inside the mouth, and eyes.
The exact cause is unknown, but it is believed to be an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the pigment-producing cells.
What Are the Symptoms of Vitiligo?
The main symptom of vitiligo is the development of white or depigmented patches on the skin.
Common Symptoms Include:
- White or light-colored patches on the skin
- Patches commonly appear on the face, hands, arms, feet, and around body openings
- Premature whitening or graying of hair on the scalp, eyelashes, eyebrows, or beard
- Loss of color inside the mouth or nose
- Possible sensitivity or mild itching in affected areas
What Causes Vitiligo?
Vitiligo is believed to be caused by several factors, often involving the immune system.
Common Causes and Risk Factors Include:
- Autoimmune response → Immune system attacks melanocytes
- Genetic predisposition → Family history of vitiligo or other autoimmune diseases
- Triggering factors → Skin trauma, sunburn, stress, or exposure to certain chemicals
- Other autoimmune diseases → Thyroid disorders, diabetes, alopecia areata
How Is Vitiligo Diagnosed?
Diagnosis is mainly based on the appearance of the skin and medical history.
Diagnostic Methods Include:
- Physical examination → Visual inspection of white patches
- Wood’s lamp examination → Uses ultraviolet light to highlight depigmented areas
- Skin biopsy → Sometimes performed to rule out other conditions
- Blood tests → To check for associated autoimmune diseases
How Is Vitiligo Treated?
1. Topical Treatments
- Corticosteroid creams → Reduce inflammation and may help repigmentation
- Calcineurin inhibitors → Alternative to steroids, especially for sensitive areas
2. Light Therapy
- Narrowband UVB phototherapy → Helps stimulate pigment production
- PUVA therapy → Combines medication (psoralen) with UVA light exposure
3. Surgical Options
- Skin grafting → Transplanting pigmented skin to affected areas
- Micropigmentation (tattooing) → Cosmetic tattooing to blend white patches
4. Depigmentation Therapy
- Used for extensive vitiligo to lighten remaining pigmented skin to match white patches
5. Supportive Care
- Use of sunscreen → Protects sensitive depigmented skin from sunburn
- Cosmetic cover-ups → Makeup or self-tanners to conceal patches
- Counseling or support groups → To address emotional and psychological effects
Complications of Vitiligo
- Emotional distress and lowered self-esteem due to appearance changes
- Increased sensitivity to sunburn in depigmented skin
- Possible association with other autoimmune diseases
Living with Vitiligo: Tips for Skin Care and Emotional Well-being
- Protect your skin from sun exposure using sunscreen and protective clothing
- Avoid skin trauma or harsh chemicals that may trigger new patches
- Seek emotional support to cope with social and psychological impact
- Follow treatment plans as advised by your healthcare provider
- Stay informed about new treatments and research developments