2 Min Read
Vitiligo is a skin condition characterised by the loss of pigment, melanin, in patches. This can lead to white or lighter areas of skin appearing anywhere on the body. While not life-threatening or contagious, vitiligo can cause significant emotional distress for those affected. Let's explore the different types, symptoms, causes, treatment options, and potential for recovery in this blog.
Synopsis
Types of Vitiligo
There are two main types of vitiligo:
-
Non-segmental Vitiligo: This is the most common type, affecting both sides of the body in a symmetrical pattern. It can be further classified as:
-
Generalised Vitiligo: The most widespread form, affecting large areas of the body.
-
Focal Vitiligo: Affects a limited area of the body.
-
Acrofacial Vitiligo: Primarily affects the face, hands, and feet.
-
-
Segmental Vitiligo: This less common type affects only one side of the body in a one-sided pattern.
Symptoms of Vitiligo
The primary symptom of vitiligo is the appearance of white or lighter patches of skin. These patches are usually:
-
Smooth and symptomless (no itching or pain)
-
Well-defined with sharp borders
-
White patches on the skin
-
May affect any part of the body, including the face, hands, feet, and mucous membranes (lips, inner mouth)
It's important to note that vitiligo can affect hair colour as well, causing premature greying or white patches on the scalp, eyebrows, or eyelashes.
Causes of Vitiligo
The exact cause of vitiligo remains unknown, but several factors are believed to play a role:
-
Autoimmune Disorder: The body's immune system mistakenly attacks the melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin.
-
Genetics: Having a family history of vitiligo increases the risk.
-
Environmental Triggers: Stress, sunburn, or exposure to certain chemicals may trigger the onset of vitiligo in some individuals.
Treatment for Vitiligo
While there's no cure for vitiligo, various vitiligo disease treatment options can help manage the condition and pigment of the skin:
-
Phototherapy: Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light can stimulate melanin production.
-
Topical Medications: Corticosteroids or calcineurin inhibitors may be applied to the affected areas to reduce inflammation and promote repigmentation.
-
Depigmentation Therapy: In severe cases, white patches on skin treatment, where a large portion of the skin is affected, this therapy aims to lighten the remaining pigmented areas to achieve a more even skin tone.
-
Surgery: Skin grafting or blister grafting techniques may be considered in rare cases.
Recovery and Living with Vitiligo
Unfortunately, there's no guaranteed timeframe for recovery from vitiligo or cure for white spots on the skin. Repigmentation can be slow and unpredictable, and some individuals may not experience any repigmentation at all. However, with proper treatment and management, vitiligo can be controlled, and its impact on daily life can be minimised.
Living with Vitiligo
-
Sun protection: Sunburn can worsen vitiligo. Use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher daily, even on cloudy days.
-
Camouflage Makeup: This can help conceal lighter patches and improve self-confidence.
-
Support Groups: Connecting with others who understand the challenges of vitiligo can be beneficial.
Vitiligo is a manageable condition. Early diagnosis and consultation with a dermatologist in Ghaziabad can help develop a personalised treatment plan to control the condition and improve your quality of life. Explore our blog page to read the latest blogs on nutrition, lifestyle diseases and treatment shared by our doctors. Our blogs can be trusted for medically accurate information that can help you make timely and well-informed decisions.
FAQ's
No, it is not contagious at all. The exact cause of vitiligo is not known but genetic factors and environmental factors do play a role in causing vitiligo.
No, it is not curable. Dermatologists in Ghaziabad can prescribe medicines to manage the condition but a 100% cure is not available. It may go away on its own but there is no definite treatment that can reverse vitiligo.
Yes, the sun can be harsher for people suffering from vitiligo. It is recommended to wear sunscreen with SPF 30 or above every day even on cloudy days to protect the skin.
Share this article on:
