Vitiligo is a long-term skin disease where the skin loses its colour. This leads to white patches or spots on the skin. In some cases, there can be only small spots on the skin. But for some people, vitiligo can spread widely. The areas where there are pale patches can be more vulnerable to the sun. Hence, you need to use sunscreen while going out.
Vitiligo is not a life-threatening condition but can affect your appearance and confidence. The treatment for vitiligo focuses on restoring the colour of the affected skin.
Common Signs of Vitiligo
Vitiligo mostly develops before you reach your 30s. But can also develop at any age. The following are the common signs of vitiligo:
- Patches of skin that loses its colour. The skin may appear lighter than the actual skin colour
- Hair on your scalp, eyebrows, and beard turns white or grey
- Tissues inside the mouth and nostrils also lose colour
- Inflammation of eyes and ears
Though these are common signs, the severity of the condition varies from one person to another. One cannot predict the portion of the skin that gets affected.
The most common areas where vitiligo develops include the following:
- Hands
- Feet
- Arms
- Face
- Knees
- Elbows
Types of Vitiligo
Vitiligo is broadly categorized into two types namely:
- Non-segmental vitiligo: It is the most common type of vitiligo. It is also known as bilateral or generalized vitiligo. In this type, symmetrical pale skin patches develop on both sides of the body. The signs develop on the arms, back of the hands, knees, elbows, feet, fingertips, and around the mouth or eyes.
- Segmental vitiligo: It is also known as unilateral or localised vitiligo. In this case, pale white patches of skin appear only on one side of the body. Segmental vitiligo usually starts in the early stages of life such as in children. This condition leads to loss of hair colour as well.
The other types include:
- Mucosal vitiligo: This affects only the mucous membrane of the mouth and genitals.
- Focal: If the vitiligo is affecting only a small portion, then it is called focal vitiligo.
- Trichome: It causes white patches that contain three colours namely center with white pigmentation, a lighter pigmentation, and the normal skin colour.
- Universal: It is a very type of vitiligo. In this type of vitiligo, more than 80% of the skin gets affected.
Causes of Vitiligo
Vitiligo develops due to the lack of melanin in the skin. Melanocytes are the skin cells that produce melanin and melanin is responsible for giving colour to your skin. If you have vitiligo, melanocytes in your body cannot produce enough melanin and this causes white patches on the skin.
Research has shown that vitiligo is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the melanocytes that produce melanin.
Other causes of vitiligo are:
- Genetic changes or mutations in the body that is associated with the functioning of melanocytes
- Stress can also affect the amount of pigment produced by melanocyte cells
- A family history of autoimmune diseases
- Exposure to toxic chemicals and ultraviolet radiation can also affect the functioning of melanocytes
Diagnosis and Treatment for Vitiligo
When you visit a doctor for a vitiligo diagnosis, he or she will examine the affected skin. The doctor also asks about the risk factors such as family history, if you have an autoimmune disease, etc. Vitiligo can be easily diagnosed using a physical exam. The doctor may also use a wood’s lamp that uses ultraviolet light. A wood’s lamp helps your doctor to differentiate between vitiligo and other skin problems.
You do not need any treatment for vitiligo as it is not harmful. But most people seek treatment for vitiligo as they affect their appearance. The treatment for vitiligo focuses on restoring the skin colour and reducing the spots from becoming bigger. The treatment options include:
- Medications
- Light therapy
- Counselling
- Use of skin camouflage cream to cover the skin patches
The treatment varies from one patient to another based on various factors. Before determining the treatment plan, the doctor considers your age, severity of the condition, overall health, and how the condition is affecting your quality of life.
Looking for Vitiligo Treatment in Hyderabad? Visit Skin Stories Today
Skin Stories is one of the best skin hospitals in Hyderabad. The hospital is established by Dr Amit Kolli, who has over 10 years of experience as a dermatologist in Hyderabad. Many patients suffering from vitiligo have been satisfied with his treatment. He offers a wide range of treatment options for vitiligo and you can choose the right one for you. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us or you can drop us an email.
