Vitiligo
Vitiligo is a condition in which a loss of cells that give color to the skin(melanocytes) results in smooth, white patches in the midst of normally pigmented skin.
Vitiligo is a common, often inherited disorder characterized by areas of well-defined, milky white skin. People with vitiligo may have eye abnormalities and also have a higher incidence of thyroid disease, diabetes mellitus, and pernicious anemia. Vitiligo affects about 1-2% of the world's population. It ismore easily observed in sun-exposed areas of the body and in darker skin types, but it affects any area of the body and all races. Vitiligo seems to affect men and women equally, although women more frequently seek treatment for the disorder.
Vitiligo may appear as one or two well-defined white patches or it may appearover large portions of the body. Typical sites for generalized vitiligo areareas surrounding body openings, bony areas, fingers, and toes. It can beginat any age but about 50% of the time it starts before the age of 20.
Vitiligo is a disorder with complex causes. People with vitiligo seem to inherit a genetic predisposition for the disorder, and the appearance of disordercan be brought on by a variety of precipitating causes. Many people report that their vitiligo first appeared following a traumatic or stressful event, such as an accident, job loss, death of a family member, severe sunburn, or serious illness. There are at least three theories about the underlying mechanism of vitiligo. One theory says nerve endings in the skin release a chemicalthat is toxic to the melanocytes. A second theory states that the melanocytessimply self-destruct. The third explanation is that vitiligo is a type of autoimmune disease in which the immune system targets the body's own cells andtissues.
The primary symptom of vitiligo is the loss of skin color. Hair growing fromthe affected skin areas also lacks color. In addition, people with vitiligo may have pigment abnormalities of the retina or iris of the eyes. A minority of patients also may have inflammation of the retina or iris, but vision is not usually impaired.
The diagnosis of vitiligo is usually made by observation. Progressive, whiteareas found at typical sites point to a diagnosis of vitiligo. If the diagnosis is not certain, the doctor will test for other conditions which can mimicvitiligo, such as chemical leukoderma or systemic lupus erythematosus. If thetests rule out other conditions, vitiligo is confirmed.
Vitiligo cannot be cured, but it can be managed. Cosmetics can be used to improve the appearance of the white areas not covered by clothing. Sunscreens prevent burning of the affected areas and also prevent the normal skin around the patches from becoming darker. Skin creams and oral medications are available for severe cases, but they have side effects that may make them undesirable. Autologous transplantation of skin is an option for those who are severelyaffected. Bleaching or depigmentation of the normal skin is another option.
In addition to treating the skin, attention should be paid to the psychological well-being of the individual. Extreme cases of vitiligo can be unattractive and may affect a person's outlook and social interactions.
The condition is usually gradually progressive. Sometimes the patches grow rapidly over a short period, and then the condition remains stable for many years.
No measures are currently known to prevent vitiligo.
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