Vitiligo

Advanced Dermatology - Vitiligo

How to Live with Vitiligo

 Vitiligo is a skin condition in which the skin completely loses its pigmentation, leaving white patches in the affected areas. While there is not much yet known about what exactly causes this condition, it can occur on almost any part of the body and is most commonly seen in the arms, hands, and face. Vitiligo does not cause any other skin problems such as itching or irritation, and is not considered harmful to one’s health. However, people who suffer from visible patches of this condition on their hands or face are often self-conscious about the discoloration and may consider it unsightly. While treatment of vitiligo is available, those who are seeking solutions should remember that it is often considered cosmetic procedure and can be quite costly if not covered by insurance.

 The Causes of Vitiligo

 Vitiligo occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly destroys pigmented skin cells in certain areas of the body. While researchers are still studying this condition, many believe that this problem is genetic and auto-immune in nature. Those who develop vitiligo usually have some family history of it, and it is more likely to occur in people with darker skin pigmentation. Some research performed on this skin condition suggests that a certain combination of genetic factors can trigger the depigmentation, and that there are few environmental factors involved. Symptoms usually appear in younger people, and both genders can be equally affected.
While vitiligo itself is harmless, it can leave skin vulnerable to UV damage, as melanin, the chemical that gives skin its color, is also a natural protectant against the sun. Those who suffer from vitiligo should use sunscreen when they are outdoors and avoid harsh skin treatments, such as glycolic acid peels.

 Vitiligo Symptoms

Vitiligo symptoms usually appear in late childhood and develop steadily with age. Loss of skin pigmentation can occur quickly but may suddenly stop its progression for months or even years before it resuming. Loss of color in the skin may either be partial or complete and vitiligo is more likely to occur on areas of the body that are often exposed to the sun, such as the arms, hands, and face.
Damaged skin also has a greater chance of developing vitiligo, but the skin pigmentation problem can appear anywhere on the body over time. Once the loss of pigmentation has occurred, the melanin in the skin usually does not return, causing permanent skin discoloration. While there is no way to restore the skin pigmentation, there are several treatments available that may help to even out skin tone and improve its overall appearance.

 Vitiligo Treatments

 The number of vitiligo treatments available to patients has increased in the last decade. In the cases of those who suffer from milder forms of the skin condition, a corticosteroid cream may be prescribed to even out the skin tone and stop the progression of further melanin loss. Some patients who have small patches on their arms or face often turn to cosmetics to cover up the visible areas, but as the problem progresses, this may no longer be an option. Small skin grafts may be available to some patients, which involves grafting unaffected skin to areas where loss of pigmentation has occurred.
For those who suffer from severe vitiligo, a treatment known as PUVA is available. PUVA, which stands for oral psoralen + UVA, is a treatment where oral medication is combined with sunlight to trigger repigmentation of skin cells.

 Side Effects

Those who use topical creams for vitiligo should monitor their skin for signs of an allergic reaction that may include itching, redness, or swelling. While skin grafts can be effective, they may also cause pebbling of the skin. Side effects of treating the discolouration with PUVA may include nausea, sunburn, abdominal pain, hyperpigmentation, and severe skin dryness. Any vitiligo treatment should only be used under the guidance of an experienced dermatologist to prevent further skin discoloration.

 

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