Vitiligo is a disease that causes white patches of skin to appear on the body. The condition may also affect other parts of the body such as hair and the inner ear. While vitiligo is not a life-threatening condition, it does cause cosmetic complications, especially in the face and eyelids.
A doctor can usually diagnose vitiligo by taking a medical history and conducting a physical examination. However, a skin biopsy is required in cases where the condition is not evident by the physical examination. This procedure involves exposing the skin to ultraviolet light and using it to detect the loss of pigment. It can be used to rule out other skin conditions.
Vitiligo is caused by a mistake in the immune system. Your body will start attacking the pigment-making cells of your skin. If your melanocytes don’t produce enough melanin, the white patch will form. Other conditions can also trigger vitiligo, including trauma or exposure to certain chemicals.
Some autoimmune diseases can increase the chances of developing vitiligo. People with vitiligo may be more susceptible to anemia, hypothyroidism, and diabetes. In fact, 15 to 25 percent of vitiligo patients may also have other autoimmune conditions.
Although vitiligo is not life-threatening, the condition can affect your appearance and make you feel self-conscious. You should try to improve your appearance by wearing sunscreen and avoiding tanning beds. Additionally, you should see a dermatologist to ensure that you are not experiencing cosmetic issues that could be causing your depigmentation.
Vitiligo can affect any part of the body, and can be a serious problem for someone with light skin. Symptoms include a loss of melanin in the skin, white spots, and itching. These can range from mild to severe. Generally, the condition affects people between the ages of twenty and forty.
The causes of vitiligo are not fully known, but it is believed to be an autoimmune disease. In autoimmune disease, the body’s immune system starts attacking itself when it mistakes healthy cells for foreign invaders.
Typically, the first area affected by vitiligo is the sun-exposed areas of the face. The condition can spread to other areas of the body, however, and is most common in those with darker skin.
Although there is no cure for vitiligo, the condition is treatable. Treatments typically involve using topical creams or corticosteroids. Sometimes, laser treatments are used to remove the discolored patches. Topical calcineurin inhibitors are also administered.
A skin biopsy can also be performed to determine the presence of melanocytes. A skin biopsy confirms the diagnosis of vitiligo and provides information about the types of cells affected. Another option is a combination of ultraviolet-A and psoralen light therapy. Psoralen is a medicine that is taken internally and can be applied to the skin. Light-based therapy can take months to produce results.
Because vitiligo is a chronic condition, patients are encouraged to seek support from other patients and family members. There are numerous support groups available, both online and in person. Taking advantage of these resources can help you stay motivated and maintain a positive outlook on life.
