What is Vitiligo? Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments

Key Symptoms of Vitiligo

The primary signs of vitiligo are the appearance of white or light-coloured spots on the skin. The size and shape of these spots are diverse, and over time they expand. In some instances, these areas do not change for some time, and sometimes, they continue to grow bit by bit.

Patches may start to appear on sun-exposed areas, such as your hands, face, or neck. They can later spread to any other part of your body. The progression of vitiligo is quite unpredictable- it could be limited to a few areas, or it might even go quite extensively.

Some symptoms you may need to look for include:

• White or light-coloured patches: It is common to find these on your face, hands, feet, arms, or legs; however, they can appear anywhere on the body.

• Premature greying of hair: This may start on the scalp, eyelashes, eyebrows, or beard.

• Loss of colour inside your mouth: Mucous membranes, similar to those that line your mouth or your nasal passages, lose their pigment, too.

• Change in eye colour: Your eyes may also lose some of the natural colours.

Vitiligo does not cause itchy or painful sensations, but the noticeable changes create a problem for most people. That is why it becomes very important to know the early signs so that this condition can be properly managed.

Consult our dermatologist in Salem if you are experiencing vitiligo symptoms.

What Are the Causes of Vitiligo?

The cause of vitiligo is not known for certain, but most believe it to be an autoimmune disease. During an autoimmune condition, your immune system mistakenly attacks parts of your body. In the case of vitiligo, your immune system appears to target and destroy the melanocytes that help to produce melanin.

Several factors may increase your risk of getting vitiligo:

1. Genetic Predisposition: Once you have experienced a family history, in the case of someone experiencing vitiligo or other autoimmunity disease, your risk of suffering from the disease will be high.

2. Autoimmune Diseases: Hyperthyroidism, alopecia areata, and diabetes are associated with vitiligo.

3. Environmental Factors:  Stress, cutaneous injury, or even sunburn may act as precipitating agents for vitiligo in certain cases. Some chemical exposures have even been said to be triggering agents.

4. Oxidative Stress: It is the imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in your body. Free radicals cause you to develop vitiligo. They cause damage to melanocytes over time.

5. Neurogenic Factors: Research suggests that some nerve endings may release toxic substances that can destroy melanocytes.

Types of Vitiligo

There are different forms of vitiligo, classified based on how the patches are distributed on your body:

1. Non-segmental Vitiligo: This is the most common type. The white patches show up symmetrically on both sides of the body. It can affect any part of your skin and tends to progress slowly over time.

2. Segmental Vitiligo: This type is localised and often affects only one side or part of your body. It typically begins at a younger age and progresses for a year or two before stabilising.

3. Mucosal Vitiligo: This type specifically affects the mucous membranes inside your mouth and nose.

4. Universal Vitiligo: In rare cases, this type involves almost all of your skin, with extensive loss of pigment.

Identifying the type of vitiligo you have can help tailor treatment strategies to your specific condition.

Treatments for Vitiligo

There is no cure for vitiligo, but treatments can help restore colour to the affected skin or slow the progression of the condition. Your treatment options will depend on the severity of your vitiligo, its location, and how widespread the patches are.

Here are some common treatment options:

1. Topical corticosteroids

One of the first lines of treatment for vitiligo is corticosteroid creams. These creams can help reduce inflammation and stimulate the production of pigment. They are more effective if started early in the condition. However, long-term use may cause side effects like skin thinning.

2. Light therapy (phototherapy)

Phototherapy, particularly narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB), is one of the most effective treatments for vitiligo. It involves exposing the skin to controlled doses of UVB light, which helps stimulate melanocyte activity. Phototherapy requires several sessions per week for a few months to show visible results.

3. Excimer laser

This treatment uses targeted UVB light to treat smaller areas of skin affected by vitiligo. It’s typically used for localised patches and can help speed up the repigmentation process with fewer side effects than full-body phototherapy.

4. Depigmentation

For those with widespread vitiligo who prefer uniform skin colour, depigmentation might be an option. This treatment involves lightening the unaffected areas to match the white patches, offering a more consistent skin tone. Depigmentation is a permanent process, so it’s essential to consider all factors before opting for this treatment.

5. Surgical options

For patients with stable vitiligo, surgical treatments like skin grafting or melanocyte transplant can be considered. Skin grafting involves transplanting small patches of your healthy pigmented skin to the affected areas. Melanocyte transplantation involves harvesting pigment-producing cells and transferring them to depigmented areas.

6. Medications

Certain medications, like immunomodulators or topical calcineurin inhibitors, may be prescribed to help restore pigment in small patches. These treatments are typically used alongside other therapies like light therapy.

7. Camouflage

For temporary concealment, cosmetic options like makeup or self-tanning lotions can help even out skin tone. While these do not treat vitiligo, they can help improve the appearance of depigmented areas.

Consult our dermatology hospital in Salem if you need vitiligo treatment.

Emotional and Psychological Support

Living with vitiligo can take a toll on your emotional well-being, especially if it affects visible areas like your face or hands. It’s important to acknowledge the emotional impact and seek support when needed. Counselling or joining support groups can provide comfort and help you manage the psychological challenges associated with vitiligo.

In addition, building a skincare routine with sun protection is crucial for managing vitiligo. The depigmented patches of skin are more sensitive to the sun, and using broad-spectrum sunscreen can help protect those areas from damage.

To Sum Up…

Vitiligo is a complex condition that affects your skin's pigmentation, but understanding its symptoms, causes, and treatments can help you manage it effectively. With the right approach, you can slow its progression, improve skin appearance, and maintain emotional well-being. While there is no cure, advancements in treatments offer hope for better outcomes. By staying informed and seeking medical advice, you can take control of your vitiligo journey.