Contents
What is Vitiligo?
Vitiligo is a condition in which skin loses its natural colour and white pigmentation can be seen on the body. Melanocytes are skin skills that produce a pigment called melanin, which gives colour to our skin. If melanin is produced in a larger proportion, the skin usually appears dark, but if it is secreted in a smaller amount, your skin tone appears white.
If the areas of the skin that lose the pigment are less than 1 cm, they are called “macules” but if they are more than 1 cm, they are called “ patches”.
Common symptoms of Vitiligo :
Symptoms can appear anywhere on the skin, including the hair, hands, feet, face and genital areas. It can be mild, and for some people it might affect only a small area. Symptoms include
- Depigmentation: skin or some area starts to lose its colour.
- Hair pigmentation: hair turns white or grey
Causes and risk factors:
The exact reason is still unknown why it happens, but research suggests.
- Genetic Factors: If mutation (change) takes place in the DNA, then it might affect the function of melanocytes. Research shows that 30% of cases are genetic, but the study is still ongoing.
- Autoimmune Response: Sometimes the immune system of our body considers the melanocytes as a foreign antigen and produces antibodies against it.
- Environmental Triggers: Factors like ultraviolet rays and exposure to toxic substances also affect the function of melanocytes.
Risk factors :
It is more likely to develop if :-
- Have family history of this condition
- Have direct exposure to ultraviolet rays or phenol-containing chemicals.
Types of Vitiligo :
Segmental: (localised vitiligo)
Here only one area of the body has the patches.It is less common, but it is more common in children.
Non-Segmental:
the patches appear on both sides of the body symmetrically. It is a more common type.
Mucosal :
It affects the mucosal membrane, like the areas around the mouth or genital area.
Focal :
Here vitiligo is developed only in certain parts of the body.
Universal:
Here vitiligo spreads over 80% of the body, but it is very rare.
Treatment Options :
Treatment is not necessary as it is not harmful, but if it is affecting you physically and mentally, then there are a few ways, like repigmentation, restoring skin tone, etc. Some common ways include :
- Topical Treatments: There are specific medications that can slow down vitiligo and help melanocytes to regrow, such as corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, etc.
- Light Therapy: Here UV light or medical-grade lasers are used on skin to return the colour of the skin.
- Cosmetic Camouflage: You can use sunscreen to minimise tanning and wear makeup to camouflage pigmented areas.
Surgical Options:
- Skin grafts: part of the skin is removed and used to cover another part.
- Blister grafting: Here suction is used to create a blister, and then it is attached to an area affected.
Living with Vitiligo :
Vitiligo can affect the mental health of some people and their confidence and self-esteem. In this case, you can talk to a mental health professional to help yourself out.
Myths and Misconceptions :
Myth: Parents who are of mixed race can be the reason for the uneven skin of the child.
Fact: This condition is not related to ethnicity.
Myth: Vitiligo is related to skin cancer or leprosy.
Fact: vitiligo is an autoimmune disorder, and it is not harmful.
Myth – Vitiligo gets worse by eating certain combinations of food .
Fact: Vitiligo is unaffected by the food we choose.
Conclusion
Vitiligo is a disorder in which the skin loses its natural colour, and patches or macules can be seen on the different parts of the body. It is caused when the body produces antibodies against melanocytes that produce melanin, which gives colour to the skin. However, different treatment options are available to deal with this condition. It can affect the self-esteem, confidence, and social life of a person. In this case, it is necessary to visit a mental health professional.
References :
- Vitiligo: types, symptoms, causes, treatment & recovery [Internet]. Cleveland Clinic. [cited 2024 Aug 17]. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12419-vitiligo
- Vitiligo [Internet]. nhs.uk. 2017 [cited 2024 Aug 17]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitiligo/