Have you ever come across someone who has white colour patches on their skin? How did you feel looking at them? We are sure that, in the first instance, you might have avoided touching that person, feeling that you might also get the same skin disease, isn’t it?
But that is not true. A medical condition causes patches on the skin called Vitiligo. In this detailed guide, Dr. Vrushali Nikam helps you understand vitiligo, its causes, symptoms, and treatment options.
Vitiligo is a chronic, non-contagious skin condition that causes patches of skin to lose their pigment or colour. This happens because the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin, the pigment that gives skin its colour.
People with dark skin are more likely to get vitiligo. However, it is not that a particular race of humans, sex, or people of a specific age are vulnerable to it. Vitiligo can strike at any age.
People with the following autoimmune conditions are more vulnerable to vitiligo.
Vitiligo occurs when the cells responsible for skin colour are destroyed. In medical terms, they are called ‘melanocytes.’ Melanocytes produce a skin pigment/melanin, which gives our skin a colour. The problem occurs when melanocytes stop producing melanin. This causes some areas of skin to lose their colour, or in that specific portion, the skin turns white.
Vitiligo can affect any part of the body like:
Dr. Vrushali opines that there is no uniformity regarding the widening and spreading of vitiligo. However, it is generally observed that larger patches get wider with time and spread over a larger area. The smaller patches may change their place on the skin and sometimes regain the pigment.
The amount of affected skin varies from person to person. That’s why some people have a considerable loss of skin colour whereas others have few depigmented areas.
There are two main types of vitiligo, each with its own characteristics:
If you see lighter patches on your skin, that is the first sign of vitiligo. These patches can appear anywhere, but they’re especially common on your face, hands, feet, mouth, eyes, and other openings. At times, these patches are small in size, but in some cases, they cover a large area of the body.
Sometimes, the hair growing in these lighter areas might also turn white or grey. This can happen on your scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, beard, or elsewhere.
It’s important to note that not everyone experiences vitiligo the same way. The most common symptoms include:
Vitiligo can occur anywhere on the body. However, the most common areas are:
The exact cause of vitiligo is unknown. A lack of pigment (melanin) causes it, but it is not ascertained why.
Vitiligo can happen for a few reasons:
Vitiligo can run in families, with about 30% of cases linked to genes. Certain gene variations can make you more susceptible to developing the condition. These variations can affect how your pigment cells work, leading to the characteristic white patches on your skin.
While vitiligo isn’t painful, it’s essential to be extra sun-safe. Lighter patches of skin are more likely to get sunburned, which can be painful. So, sunscreen, shade, and protective clothing are your best friends!
Diagnosing vitiligo often involves a simple check-up by the dermatologist. They’ll likely examine your skin closely and might even use a special light called a ‘Wood’s lamp’ to get a clearer picture. This light helps distinguish vitiligo from other skin conditions. They might also ask about your health history and family background to better understand your situation.
While vitiligo itself isn’t harmful, it’s understandable to want to address the appearance of the lighter patches. Here are some treatment options your doctor might discuss, depending on your specific situation and goals:
During the procedure, we apply a topical anaesthetic to reduce discomfort and then tattoo the pigment into the epidermis and the dermis layer of the skin. The colour is custom-blended to match the patient’s skin tone. Sometimes, we must perform multiple sessions to see how the pigment heals and blends with the surrounding skin.
While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent vitiligo, here are some steps that might help:
Vitiligo is a unique condition for each person. The progression and spread of the white patches can vary greatly. Some people experience minimal changes, while others may see more widespread involvement. There’s no cure for vitiligo, but various treatment options can help manage the condition and restore some pigment to the affected areas.
While not guaranteed, regaining some pigment is possible in some cases. Treatment options like light therapy, medications, and sometimes surgery can help achieve repigmentation. However, the success rate and extent of colour return can vary depending on individual factors.
While vitiligo is nothing to be ashamed of, some people prefer to camouflage the lighter patches. Various cosmetic options are available, such as makeup formulated explicitly for vitiligo or self-tanning lotions. Choosing products suitable for your skin type is essential, and consult a dermatologist for guidance if needed.
Absolutely not! Vitiligo is an autoimmune condition that doesn’t spread through contact with others. It’s important to remember that vitiligo does not reflect personal hygiene or lifestyle choices.
If you notice any white patches on your skin, especially if they’re developing or changing rapidly, it’s advisable to consult a dermatologist. Early diagnosis and management can help explore treatment options and address any potential emotional concerns you have.
I’m here to support you on your journey with vitiligo. If you have any further questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment to discuss your situation in detail.
Book An Appointment
© Copyright 2022 At bodysutra. All Rights Reserved | Managed & Optimized by GrowthPixel Pvt. Ltd..