Vitiligo dermatoloog

Vitiligo (Dutch: Vitiligo) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that causes the loss of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin, hair, and eye color. This leads to white patches on the skin, most commonly in sun-exposed areas such as the hands, feet, arms, and face.

Is Vitiligo Contagious?

No (Niet), vitiligo is not contagious. It is not caused by bacteria, virus, or any other infectious agents. The condition is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system mistakes melanocytes (the cells responsible for producing melanin) for foreign invaders and attacks them, leading to loss of pigmentation.

Prevalence

Vitiligo affects about 0.5% to 2% of the global population. It can start at any age, but it most commonly begins before age 20 or after age 40. There is no racial or ethnicpredilection for vitiligo; it affects people of all backgrounds equally.

Treatment (Behandeling)

There is currently no cure for vitiligo, but various treatment options are available to help manage its symptoms. These include:

1. Corticosteroid creams or ointments to suppress the immune system and slow down the progression of vitiligo.
2. Topical calcineurin inhibitors (such as tacrolimus and pimecrolimus) to reduce inflammation and prevent the immune system from attacking melanocytes.
3. Phototherapy (UV light therapy) to stimulate the remaining melanocytes and promote repigmentation.
4. Depigmentation for cases where most of the body is affected, with the aim of matching the color of the vitiligo patches with the rest of the skin using depigmenting creams.
5. Surgery, such as skin grafting or tattooing, for smaller areas of vitiligo that haven't responded well to other treatments.

Notable People with Vitiligo (Bekende Personen met Vitiligo)

1. Tamar Braxton - American singer and television personality, diagnosed with vitiligo in 2008.
2. Michael Jackson - American musician, had vitiligo in later life, which led to a dramatic change in his skin tone.
3. Winnie Harlow - Canadian model, who gained fame on America's Next Top Model and has become a prominent advocate for self-acceptance and representation of individuals with vitiligo.
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For more information about vitiligo, its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, prognosis, and research into new therapies, please consult reliable health resources such as the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS).