Vitiligo Show-Me Mini by Gretchen Garrett

ggarrett — 2013-09-13 14:30:27 UTC

ggarrett — 2013-09-13 14:31:51 UTC

What is Vitiligo?

ggarrett — 2013-09-13 14:32:50 UTC

Vitiligo is a condition in which you loose the pigment of your skin. Pigments give skin color and are produced by cells called melanocytes. Melanocytes normally produce the pigment melanin but people with vitiligo lose pigment in patches of normally pigmented skin leaving white patches with irregular boarders. It can occur in small patches or large areas usually on the hands, face arms, and feet.

It is not contagious, does not cause pain, and is not medically dangerous.

What causes Vitiligo?

ggarrett — 2013-09-13 14:38:31 UTC

The cause of vitiligo is unknown, but there links between vitiligo and other autiimmune disorders, such as alopecia, hyperthyroidism, Addison's and pernicious anemia.

Researchers think that vitiligo could be an autoimmune response in which a person's body abnormally destroys its own melanocytes so that the pigment is lost.

It appears to be an inherited condition. Up to 30% of people who have vitiligo have a family member with the same condition. Males and females of allraces are affected equally although it is more noticable on people with dark skin.

Symptoms of Vitiligo

ggarrett — 2013-09-13 14:54:19 UTC

The main symptom is the absence of pigments on the skin. There are three patterns:

Focal pattern occurs in only a few small areas.

Segmental pattern occurs on one side of the body.

Generalized pattern occurs on both sides of the body in a symmetrical pattern and is most common.

Depigmentation can occur on the face, arms, underarms, legs, hands, feet, lips, and groin.

Premature graying of the scalp and facial hair can also be a sign of vitiligo. This includes eyebrows and eyelashes.

ggarrett — 2013-09-13 15:33:38 UTC

Diagnosing Vitilago

ggarrett — 2013-09-13 16:19:40 UTC

Your doctor will review your medical history and possibly test a skin sample. Family history and reports of sunburn or blistering are also considered. Sun damage may trigger vitiligo symptoms.

A skin biopsy can reveal the complete absence of pigments and confirm diagnosis.

An overactive thyroid and B12 deficiency are often associated with vitiligo so the doctor may run blood tests to check thyroid function and vitamin B12 levels. You will get treatment for these as needed.

ggarrett — 2013-09-13 16:24:55 UTC

Treatment and Management

ggarrett — 2013-09-13 16:25:28 UTC

Vitiligo is harmless and benign from a health standpoint, so the goal of treatment is purely cosmetic and aims to restore pigment to your skin. Most therapies do not show results for several months.

Topical stroids applied to the skin or immunomodulator ointments can restore some pigment to the skin.

Ultraviolet light in combination with a drug called psoralen which causes the skin to be more sensitive to light can darken areas of the skin.

Depigmentation to lighten the skin on the rest of the body may be an option for people who suffer from vitiligo on more than half of their body.

Othe roptions include makeup and sunless tanners. Sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection should be used to protect the skin.

Skin grafting surgery can take healthy skin and place it in an area affected by vitiligo but it is expensive, rarely covered by insurance, and can cause scarring.

Sources

ggarrett — 2013-09-13 16:39:15 UTC

Healthline.com

Mayoclinic.com

Ncbi.nlm.gov