Millions of people throughout the world suffer from the skin disorder vitiligo. In this disease, the skin loses its color, leaving white areas behind.
Although it’s not a life-threatening ailment, it can significantly affect a person’s quality of life and sense of self. The causes, signs, and treatments of this skin ailment are covered in this article.
Just what is vitiligo?
Patches of skin lose color as a result of the skin disorder. Melanocytes, the skin’s pigment-producing cells, are attacked by the immune system, which is the reason for it.
It affects roughly 1% of the world’s population and affects both men and women equally, however it most frequently manifests before the age of 30 and increases in frequency with age.
Moreover, the illness may run in families. There is a 25% risk that if one parent has vitiligo, their child will also.
Vitiligo causes
It is unclear what exactly caused it. It is thought to be an autoimmune condition, though, in which the body’s immune system destroys the cells called melanocytes, which are responsible for producing the pigment known as melanin, which gives skin its color.
Since these patches tend to run in families, genetics may potentially be involved in their development.
Symptoms of vitiligo
These are listed below.:
- Skin patches that are white or gray in color: These patches can range in color from white to gray to even black. Many people have little, isolated eczema patches on their bodies, while others have larger, more extensive regions.
- Patches might be spherical, irregularly shaped, raised or flat, smooth or rough, etc. They could potentially be up to 0.5 mm higher than the surrounding skin (0.02 inches).
Risks and difficulties related to vitiligo
It may result in the following issues:
Skin cancer
Individuals who have this skin condition are more likely to develop skin cancer, especially if it affects more than 50% of their body. This is due to the immune system destroying the cells that make melanin, the pigment in your skin.
You don’t tan when these cells are gone, and your risk of burning rises because there are no new ones to take their place. The best approach to prevent this kind of cancer is to regularly examine yourself and limit your time in the sun.
Skin infections
They lack the pigmentation that serves as protection, which can lead to skin infections or improper wound healing.
Medical professionals who treat patients with vitiligo may also find it challenging because they can’t see where they’re going behind all those white spots during surgery or other treatments.
Treatments for vitiligo
Here are a couple:
- Topical steroids: Although they do not directly treat the ailment, they can be used to lessen the associated inflammation. They work best when taken as prescribed by a doctor and during the early stages of the condition.
- UV therapy (PUVA): This treatment combines exposure to ultraviolet light B (UVB) with psoralen, a substance that increases sensitivity to UV light in the skin and aids in the gradual development of an immunity to it. It is often referred to as phototherapy or PUVA therapy, and it is frequently used with depigmenting medications such tacrolimus or calcipotriene cream or topical corticosteroids.
- Photochemotherapy (PUVA): PUVA combines ultraviolet light A (UVA) exposure with psoralen, a medication that increases skin sensitivity to UVA and aids in the gradual development of an immunity to it. This sort of therapy can be applied alone or in conjunction with other drugs like tacrolimus ointment or steroids.
A person’s self-esteem and quality of life may be significantly affected by the skin disorder vitiligo.
There is no known cure, however there are a number of therapies that can help with skin appearance and slow the spread of the white patches. It’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional if you experience the signs and symptoms of this skin issue so they can work with you to create a treatment strategy that meets your needs and objectives.
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