Vitiligo: Gale
Encyclopaedia of Medicine
Definition of Vitiligo
Vitiligo is a condition in which a loss of cells that give
colour to the skin (melanocytes) results in smooth, white
patches in the midst of normally pigmented skin.
Description of Vitiligo
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 is
more 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 appear over large portions of the body. Typical sites
for generalized vitiligo are areas surrounding body openings,
bony areas, fingers, and toes. It can begin at any age but about
50% of the time it starts before the age of 20.
Causes & symptoms of Vitiligo
Vitiligo is a disorder with complex causes. People with
vitiligo seem to inherit a genetic predisposition for the
disorder, and the appearance of disorder can 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 chemical that is toxic
to the melanocytes. A second theory states that the melanocytes
simply 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 and tissues.
The primary symptom of vitiligo is the loss of skin colour.
Hair growing from the affected skin areas also lacks colour. 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.
How to Diagnose Vitiligo
The diagnosis of vitiligo is usually made by observation.
Progressive, white areas 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 mimic vitiligo,
such as chemical leukoderma or systemic lupus erythematosus. If
the tests rule out other conditions, vitiligo is confirmed.
Vitiligo Treatment
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 severely affected. 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.
Prognosis for Vitiligo patients
The condition is usually gradually progressive. Sometimes the
patches grow rapidly over a short period, and then the condition
remains stable for many years.
Prevention of Vitiligo
No measures are currently known to prevent vitiligo.
Vitiligo affects the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes by
destroying cells that produce the body's pigment. The most
obvious results of this condition are white splotches in the
areas where the skin isn't producing enough pigment.
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