What is Vitiligo?
Vitiligo is a chronic skin condition defined by the appearance of pale white patches on the skin. It is caused by a lack of melanin, the pigment found in the skin.
Even though vitiligo can affect any area of the skin, it most usually affects the hands, face, neck, and skin wrinkles.
It’s important to wear sunscreen with a high sun protection factor and exercise additional caution when in the sun because the pale portions of the skin are more susceptible to sunburn.
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Types
Vitiligo comes in two primary types:
- Non-segmental Vitiligo: Non-segmental vitiligo, also known as bilateral or generalized vitiligo, is defined by symmetrical white patches that frequently develop on both sides of the body. Around 9 out of 10, people have non-segmental vitiligo, which is the most common type.
Symmetrical patches are possible on the back of your hands, arms, and skin surrounding body openings like the eyes, knees, elbows, and feet.
- Segmental Vitiligo: The white patches in segmental vitiligo (also known as unilateral or localized vitiligo) only affect one section of your body.
Despite being more common in youngsters, segmental vitiligo is less common than non-segmental vitiligo. 3 out of 10 kids with vitiligo are affected by it, and it typically begins earlier.
Causes
It is brought on by a deficiency in the skin pigment melanin. Melanocytes, a kind of skin cell, create the pigment melanin, which gives your skin its color.
According to research, vitiligo may originate from:
- An autoimmune disorder Source
- Genetic Mutations Source
- Stress Source
- Ultraviolet Radiation and skin cancer Source
Risk Factors
You could be more likely to get non-segmental vitiligo if:
- Other family members have it already
- There is a history of other autoimmune diseases in your family, such as pernicious anemia in one of your parents (an autoimmune condition that affects the stomach)
- You have non-Hodgkin lymphoma or melanoma, a type of skin cancer, in addition to your other autoimmune disorder (cancer of the lymphatic system)
- You have specific genetic variations known to be associated with non-segmental vitiligo.
Symptoms
It’s symptoms include:
- Patches of skin color loss often start on the hands, face, and areas close to body openings and the genitalia.
- Your eyelashes, brows, beard, or scalp hair may prematurely become white or grey.
- Color loss in the tissues lining the inside of the mouth and nose (mucous membranes)
Diagnosis
Consult your doctor if you notice portions of your skin, hair, or mucous membranes losing color. There is no cure for it. However, treatment may be able to stop or reduce the discoloration process and restore some color to your skin.
Your provider may examine your skin with a Wood’s lamp. This lamp emits an ultraviolet (UV) light onto your skin to assist your provider in distinguishing vitiligo from other skin diseases.
Treatment
There is no recognized treatment or prevention for it. You can, however, improve the appearance of your injured skin. Which treatment is ideal for you depends on your age, how much your skin has to be improved, and how much your vitiligo affects you.
For the treatment of non-segmental vitiligo in adult and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older, the FDA has approved the use of ruxolitinib (Opzelura) cream.
If your vitiligo is worsening, your doctor may prescribe a corticosteroid tablet or injection.
In rare circumstances, they may advise using a calcineurin inhibitor ointment. It works on your immune system to reduce inflammation. Source
Home remedies
Here are some natural home cures for this:
- Papaya
- Red clay
- Use Stress reduction techniques
- Use Sunscreen when going outside
- Drink water from a copper container.
- Basil leaves
- Walnuts
- Foods that are high in vitamin C.
- Zinc-rich foods.
- Turmeric Source
Also Read: Health Benefits of Papaya Fruit: Nutrition Facts, Value and Health Properties
Prevention
There is presently no cure for it, nor is there a method to prevent it.
Doctors advise sun protection for the skin. Depigmented skin is more sensitive to ultraviolet light and is more susceptible to sunburn. Furthermore, patches of depigmentation are more prone to spread after a severe sunburn.
Other methods for reducing exposure include:
- Wearing UV-protective clothes
- Seeking shade whenever feasible
- Not using tanning beds or sun lamps
- Adopting alternatives to sunbathing such as self-tanner, concealing lotion, or makeup
- Tattoos can also exacerbate depigmentation. So avoid them
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Want to know about other skin disorders? Check out Skin Problems on Health Views Online.
