Vitiligo is a skin disorder known for the appearance of white patches with different sizes in the skin due to melanocytes destruction. Melanocytes determine the skin color; also, you can find them in the eyes and mucous membranes. Globally, about 1% or so of the population has vitiligo.
Here you have the most common questions about this condition:
What causes Vitiligo?
The cause of Vitiligo is still unknown; however, everything seems to indicate an auto-immune disease conditioned by a genetic alteration. It can also be hereditary; if both parents have these conditions in their background, their kids can probably develop it.
What are the types of vitiligo?
- 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
Where in the body you can see the white spots?
The patches are found mostly in areas exposed to sunlight like arms, hands, face, and feet. It is found also in other areas like genitals, eyes, and other areas not so exposed to sunlight. In some areas, the growing speed can be fast, while in others, it is the opposite. But the reason behind this is still not very clear.
What’s the appearance of Vitiligo patches?
These patches have very delineated borders; on some occasions, they show inflammation or redness. Also, this condition involves skin and hair, making gray hairs developed in the affected areas.
What is the treatment?
The most effective treatment is called the Psoralen plus Ultraviolet light A (PUVA). In this treatment, chemical psoralen is combined with UVA exposure a few hours after application; with this treatment, skin repigmentation can be achieved in 50% of the cases. Oral therapy can be added to prevent burning and melanoma due to continuum exposure to UV light. This is just one of the many vitiligo treatments. Remember that every patient has specific conditions and must be correctly evaluated by a physician to choose the right treatment.
READ MORE!
Is Thermal water the same as Toner?
