Vitiligo – Signs, causes, and treatments
Vitiligo is a common skin condition affecting about one percent of the population worldwide. It is characterized by the loss of skin color or discoloration. It commonly begins to appear on the face, arms, hands, and feet, but it can affect any part of the skin. While the condition can affect one at any age, over half of the people with vitiligo notice skin lightening before the age of 20.
Signs of vitiligo
The most noticeable sign of vitiligo is the patchy loss of skin color. Other symptoms include patches of hair on the body that turn silver, gray, or white, loss of color in the mucus membranes (nose and mouth), and/or changes to one’s eye color.
Causes of vitiligo
Vitiligo occurs when the melanocytes, or the pigment-producing cells in the body, stop producing melanin or die. While the exact cause of this condition is not known, many healthcare experts believe that it may be a result of an autoimmune condition, a genetic mutation, trigger events such as stress, sunburn, or trauma, or environmental factors like exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation or toxic chemicals.
Treatment options for vitiligo
- Topical treatment for repigmentation
Certain ointments may be prescribed to help with skin repigmentation when dealing with non-segmental vitiligo. These options can be used on the affected areas of the skin. One should consult a doctor regarding the frequency of use. - Light therapy
Phototherapy or light therapy using medical-grade UVB lasers might also be used to restore skin color and reduce the appearance of vitiligo patches. - Depigmentation therapy
In this line of treatment, the leftover pigment in the skin is removed to match the color of the affected skin and help achieve an even skin tone. - Surgery
Doctors may suggest surgeries such as skin grafts or blister grafts to cover or treat the vitiligo-affected areas of the skin.