Medical Centric

Vitiligo

Skin Conditions / By

Vitiligo

  • Vitiligo is a skin disorder in which smooth white areas (called macules or patches) appear on a person’s skin.
  • It generally starts on the hands, forearms, feet, and face.
  • Globally, about 1% or so of the population has vitiligo.
  • Most people who have vitiligo will develop the condition prior to age 40; about half develop it before age 20.
  • Vitiligo may have a genetic component, as the condition tends to run in families.
  • Vitiligo is sometimes associated with other medical conditions, including thyroid dysfunction.
  • There is no way to determine if vitiligo will spread or remain confined to one location.

Types of Vitiligo

  • Vitiligo can be:
  • Generalized, which is the most common type, when macules appear in various places on the body.
  • Segmental, which is restricted to one side of the body or one area, such as the hands or face.
  • Mucosal, which affects mucous membranes of the mouth and/or the genitals.
  • Focal, which is a rare type in which the macules are in a small area and do not spread in a certain pattern within one to two years.
  • Trichome, which means that there is a white or colorless center, then an area of lighter pigmentation, and then an area of normally colored skin.
  • Universal, another rare type of vitiligo, and one in which more than 80% of the skin of the body lacks pigment.

Symptoms

  • White patches on the skin are the main sign of vitiligo.
  • These patches are more common in areas where the skin is exposed to the sun.
  • The patches may be on the hands, feet, arms, face, and lips.
  • Other common areas for white patches are:
  • The armpits and groin (where the leg meets the body)
  • Around the mouth
  • Eyes
  • Nostrils
  • Navel
  • Genitals
  • Rectal areas

Causes

Although the causes of vitiligo aren’t completely understood, there are a number of different theories:

Autoimmune disorder:

The affected person’s immune system may develop antibodies that destroy melanocytes.

Genetic factors:

Certain factors that may increase the chance of getting vitiligo can be inherited. About 30% of vitiligo cases run in families.

Neurogenic factors:

A substance that is toxic to melanocytes may be released at nerve endings in the skin.

Self-destruction:

A defect in the melanocytes causes them to destroy themselves.

  • Vitiligo may also be triggered by certain events, such as physical or emotional stress.
  • Because none of the explanations seem to completely account for the condition, it’s possible that a combination of these factors is responsible for vitiligo.

Diagnosis

Usually, the white patches are easily visible on the skin, but healthcare providers can use a Wood’s lamp, which shines ultraviolet (UV) light onto the skin to help differentiate from other skin conditions.

Treatment

  • Re-pigmentation therapy
  • Light Therapy
  • Camouflage Therapy
  • Surgery
  • Counselling

Prevention

  • Since no one knows for certain what causes vitiligo, no one can tell you how to prevent it.
  • In general, it is smart for everyone to practice safe sun exposure habits and to take good care of your skin.