VITILIGO

Vitiligo is a condition that causes white patches to develop on your skin. It happens because the pigment-forming cells (melanocytes) are destroyed, leading to a loss of melanin, the pigment that gives your skin its color. While the exact cause is unknown, it’s believed to be an autoimmune disorder where the body’s defense system attacks healthy cells.

Who Gets Vitiligo?

Vitiligo can affect anyone, regardless of race or gender. It often develops between the ages of 10 and 30, and most cases appear before age 40. It may run in families, and you’re more likely to get it if someone close to you has it or has premature graying hair. Additionally, individuals with other autoimmune diseases, like thyroid problems or type 1 diabetes, have a higher risk.

Symptoms and Appearance

The most noticeable symptom is the appearance of white patches on the skin. These patches can develop anywhere but commonly appear on:

• Body folds (armpits)
• Areas with past injuries
• Sun-exposed areas
• Around moles and body openings (mouth, eyes, genitals)
• Mucous membranes (lining of the nose and mouth)
• Eyelids and hair (in some cases)

The white patches may stay the same size for a while but can grow over time. There are different types of vitiligo, depending on the distribution of the patches:

• Generalized: Most common, with discolored patches all over the body.
• Segmental: Vitiligo is confined to one area, like the face or hands.
• Focal: Discoloration stays in one spot and doesn’t spread.
• Trichrome: a pattern of heavy discoloration followed by lighter discoloration and then regular skin color.
• Universal: a rare type where at least 80% of your skin is discolored.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Doctors can usually diagnose vitiligo by examining your skin. Additional tests like blood tests, skin biopsies, or a Wood’s lamp test using ultraviolet light might be used to confirm the diagnosis.

Unfortunately, there’s no cure for vitiligo. However, several treatments can help manage the condition and improve the appearance of the white patches:

• Medications: Topical corticosteroids or calcineurin inhibitor ointments can help restore color to affected skin, but results may take time.
• Light therapy (phototherapy): Using UVA light can slow or stop the progression of vitiligo and is often combined with medications.
• Depigmentation: In severe cases, a substance may be applied to unaffected skin to lighten it and match the discolored areas.
• Surgery: Skin grafting or cellular suspension transplants are options for small patches or widespread vitiligo, but these procedures have potential side effects.

Alternative therapies and home remedies can also complement conventional treatments.

1. Ginkgo Biloba: Some studies suggest that ginkgo biloba may help restore skin color in vitiligo patients.
2. Supplements: Certain supplements, such as alpha-lipoic acid, folic acid, vitamin C, and vitamin B12, might enhance the effectiveness of phototherapy. However, it’s crucial to consult with a doctor before taking any supplements to avoid potential interactions with existing medications.

Home remedies include:

1. Cosmetic Cover-ups: Using makeup or tanning products to conceal affected skin areas.
2. Sun Protection: Applying sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when outdoors and reapplying every two hours to prevent sunburn, which can exacerbate vitiligo,.
3. Avoiding Tanning Beds: Tanning beds should be avoided due to their potential harm to the skin and exacerbation of vitiligo.
4. Avoiding Tattoos: Tattooing can cause further damage to the skin, potentially worsening vitiligo.

In cases where other treatments prove ineffective, surgical interventions may be considered:

1. Skin grafting involves transferring healthy skin portions to the discolored areas, suitable for small patches of vitiligo.
2. Blister Grafting: The surgeon creates blisters on healthy skin using suction and transfers the tops of these blisters to the discolored skin.
3. Cellular Suspension Transplant: Tissues from healthy skin are suspended in a solution and transplanted onto discolored skin. Results may take several weeks to become evident.

Complications associated with vitiligo

Vitiligo can bring about several complications, including:

1. Sunburn: With reduced pigmentation, the skin becomes more vulnerable to sunburn, necessitating diligent sun protection.
2. Eye Issues: Some individuals with vitiligo may experience eye-related complications, though the exact reasons behind this association are not fully understood.
3. Hearing Loss: While less common, there’s a potential link between vitiligo and hearing impairment, although further research is needed to establish a definitive connection.

Living with Vitiligo:

While vitiligo doesn’t pose a physical health threat, it can affect your emotional wellbeing. Talking to friends and family, joining a support group, and seeing a doctor experienced in vitiligo can help you manage the emotional impact and find the best treatment options. It’s crucial to communicate any feelings of depression or emotional distress to your doctor. They can then refer you to a mental health professional who can offer appropriate support and interventions to improve your well-being. Additionally, using sunscreen (SPF 30+) and avoiding tanning beds is crucial to protect your skin from sunburn.

Sources:

• American Academy of Dermatology: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/vitiligo-causes
• Cleveland Clinic: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12419-vitiligo
• Mayo Clinic