This post was most recently updated on July 25th, 2023
What is vitiligo?
Vitiligo is a common skin condition that causes discoloration. Skin color is lost in patches, usually on the back of the hands, face, and armpits. It’s not dangerous and treatable, but certain types of skin pigmentation can recur on the face and neck. Vitiligo is sometimes linked to other illnesses like thyroid disease.
Common symptoms
What are the signs and symptoms of vitiligo?
Small areas of skin often lose color, pigmentation, and become the same white color. Vitiligo patches are usually not sensitive to touch. They are painless or itchy and vary in size, up to 1.5 cm wide. These patches often spread and form larger vitiligo plaques with no definite shape. They usually appear on two symmetrical sides of the body. Sometimes hairs, hair in the vitiligo areas also lose pigmentation.
You may experience other symptoms that have not been mentioned. If you have any questions about symptoms, consult your doctor.
When do you need to see a doctor?
See a doctor if your skin, hair, or eyes are discolored. Vitiligo currently has no cure. However, treatment can help stop or slow the transformation process and restore skin color.
Causes
What causes vitiligo?
The cause of vitiligo is currently unknown. Vitiligo is the result of the loss of a type of skin cell called melanocytes that produces melanin, the pigment that determines skin color. Vitiligo is not cancer and is not contagious. Vitiligo can be inherited in families.
Possible Risks
Who often get vitiligo?
Vitiligo affects all racial and ethnic groups. The disease is more commonly seen in people with darker skin color. Vitiligo can appear at any age, but nearly half of vitiligo cases usually occur in people younger than 20 years.
What factors increase the risk of vitiligo?
There are many factors that can increase your risk of vitiligo, including:
- Genetic factors: Vitiligo can be inherited in families; people with a family history of vitiligo or early gray hair are more likely to develop vitiligo.
- Other factors include autoimmune diseases, such as autoimmune thyroiditis.
Effective treatment
The information provided is not a substitute for the advice of a healthcare professional. Always consult your doctor.
What medical techniques are used to diagnose vitiligo?
Your doctor will examine your skin for diagnosis and may take a small sample of your skin (biopsy) to examine with a microscope. Your doctor will recommend that you see a dermatologist for a more specific diagnosis.
What methods are used to treat vitiligo?
Treatments include a combination of cosmetics, prescription creams, and special light therapy.
Mild vitiligo may not need treatment. Using dyed cosmetics and makeup on the skin with small vitiligo patches is not harmful to your health. People with fair skin can avoid tanned skin by using a sunscreen with an SPF 15 or higher and avoiding direct sun exposure.
For areas with less vitiligo, topical steroid creams can be effective and can take 3 to 4 months for best results. Do not apply steroid cream to the eyelids, armpits or groin area.
Special light therapy, also called PUVA, involves applying a solution of psoralen, followed by ultraviolet radiation. Psoralens can be taken in pill form. This treatment works best for the face, neck, torso, upper arm and upper leg. Results that begin after 25 to 50 treatments depend on the part to be treated. Serious side effects are sunburn and severe blistering.
Suitable living regime
Which living habits help you to reduce the progression of vitiligo?
The following routine will help you reduce the progression of the disease:
- Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher in areas with vitiligo.
- Contact your doctor if you develop new symptoms. Medications for vitiligo can cause side effects.
- Wear a hat, long-sleeved shirt, and pants.
- Contact your doctor if you experience severe redness or blistering during treatment.
Remember that pigmentation remedies are not a comprehensive and long-term cure.
If you have any questions, consult your doctor for advice on the best treatment support method.
