Vitiligo is a condition in which the body doesn’t produce enough amount of pigment, named Melanin. Melanocytes are the cells that are responsible for the secretion of this pigment. If these cells don’t perform their duty well, then this results in the deficiency of Melanin.
In simple words, the skin’s discoloration due to the formation of white spots on some part of the body is called Vitiligo.
Around 2% of the total population of the world are going through this condition.
Symptoms
● White spots in the form of patches may develop around the lower side of the face, hands, arms, private body parts, etc.
● Discoloration of body hairs which includes eyelashes, head hair, scalp, eyebrows, beard, etc. White or grey hair may appear often.
● White patches inside the mouth (mucous) and nose area.
● Changes may occur in the eye color.
Symptoms of Vitiligo are different from one person to another person. Some infected people feel irritation and inflammation in their body while having these patches, which cause them discomfort. On the other hand, some people are not disturbed by these patches as they cause no harm to them.
No one can predict the rate of growth of this disease. In some lucky cases, this discoloration is just for some period, and then their skin tone returns to its natural color. In comparison, some other person may suffer from extreme patches all over his/her body. This thing can worsen the condition of the patient even more.
Causes
The leading cause of Vitiligo is still not known clearly, but study shows that the main cause of Vitiligo is the shortage of Melanin pigment in the body, as already discussed above.
● The shortage of Melanin can be caused due to autoimmune disease. The immune cells that are supposed to defend your body against the enemy cells start fighting against your body cells, destroying Melanin pigment-producing cells.
● It may be a genetic inheritance.
● Extreme sunburn or some bruise on any specific area.
● Neurogenic factors can be one of the reasons for Vitiligo. It acts as a poison to the melanocyte cells, resulting in the deficiency of Melanin.
● Taking too much stress may also cause and exacerbate this problem.
Vitiligo is not an infectious disease, and you don’t have to worry if an affected person is around you.
Types of Vitiligo
Before discussing the treatment, you must know about the type of Vitiligo a person is going through. There are mainly two types of Vitiligo.
1)Segmental Vitiligo
This type occurs in rare cases. It develops on some specific areas of the body, be it one arm or one leg. About 10% of Vitiligo infected people are of this type. Children and teens are the ones who get affected by this type more.
2) Nonsegmental
Most of the patients with vitiligo disease are diagnosed with this type.
In this type, mostly the paired body parts are affected, including both legs and arms.
Vitiligo is then classified into 4 more types.
3) Focal
In this type, a small discolored spot may appear without spreading anywhere.
4) Trichrome
In this type, heavy patches appear on larger areas.
5) Mucosal
It affects the inner mouth surface.
6) Universal
80% of the body area is affected by white patches in this type.
Treatment
There is no permanent cure found for this disease to date. However, some treatments can reduce the size of white spots and dull patches’ color to make them less prominent.
There are several temporary treatments of this disease, and the most usable treatment is the combination of steroids and ultraviolet light mixed with creams. Phototherapy is also considered as the treatment of vitiligo disease. This treatment can be conducted at home as well with the help of ultraviolet-b rays (UVB), but make sure that you follow the correct procedure and do consult a physician before going through any process. Follow the exact time limit as prescribed so that the skin doesn’t get affected or overexposed. If the spots are minor, it can take 2-3 weeks, and if the spots are on the larger area of the body, it can take a year also and requires full body treatment with the help of doctors in hospitals.
You can also cover the smaller parts with cosmetics, foundation, or concealer.
Precautions
Vitiligo patients must have to protect their skin from direct exposure to the sunlight. Otherwise, it may worsen their condition. Apply the sunscreen before going outside, and the best way is to cover the infected area with something to avoid extreme results.
There is no particular diet of Vitiligo, but you can consult a good nutritionist and follow a healthy diet, increase the intake of water, and add fruits in your daily life to improve the texture of your faded skin tone. Avoid going outside in polluted areas and on harsh sunny days.
Results
Vitiligo has never been a harmful or life-threatening disease. Diagnosed with Vitiligo doesn’t mean that you have to face some serious health issues, but it can affect your eyesight.
It can also cause some psychological upsets to yourself and lower your self-esteem, resulting in a lack of confidence.
The affected person may fall into depression due to overthinking about being imperfect and unpleasantly different from others in a gathering.
If you are one of them, try to overcome this fear by consulting a psychologist or therapist. Conducting sessions with them can help you to build up the lost confidence and can motivate you to love yourself as you are.
Final Thoughts
The information mentioned above is all about Vitiligo. Its symptoms, causes, treatments hence, every detail about this disease. If you are fighting this disease, then you should first consult a dermatologist.
Treat your skin with extra care and love. Consult a dermatologist who will advise you to seek appropriate treatment.