Vitiligo huismiddeltjes - wat is vitiligo-ziekte

Vitiligo (Dutch: Vitiligo) is an autoimmune skin disease characterized by the loss of melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing pigment in the skin, hair, and mucous membranes. This results in white or depigmented patches on various areas of the body.

Etymology

The term "vitiligo" comes from the Latin vitium, meaning "blemish," and lexis, "mark." It was first described in medical literature by Galen, a Greek physician, around 160 AD.

Prevalence

Vitiligo affects approximately 1% of the global population regardless of age, sex, or ethnicity. It can manifest at any age but is most commonly diagnosed between ages 10 and 30.

Causes

The exact cause of vitiligo remains unknown, but it's believed to be an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the melanocytes. Factors such as family history, stress, sunburn, and exposure to certain chemicals may trigger its onset.

Types

There are three primary types of vitiligo: segmental vitiligo, non-segmental vitiligo (generalized or localized), and acrofacial vitiligo. Segmental vitiligo affects only one side or half of the body, while non-segmental vitiligo can appear anywhere and may develop gradually or quickly. Acrofacial vitiligo primarily affects the extremities and mucous membranes.

Complications

While vitiligo itself is not painful or life-threatening, it can lead to emotional distress due to its visual impact. Sun sensitivity is also common among affected individuals, making them prone to sunburns and other skin issues. In some cases, patients may develop a condition called susceptibility to freezing temperatures (Koebner phenomenon), causing white spots to appear after exposure to cold weather or traumatic skin injury.

Diagnosis

A dermatologist typically diagnoses vitiligo based on its appearance and medical history. Wood's lamp examination-a special ultraviolet light source-may be used to help visualize the white patches better. Skin biopsy may rarely be necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment and management

No known cure exists for vitiligo, but various treatments can help manage its symptoms:

1. Skin camouflage makeup: Non-permanent concealer can be used to cover the white patches. This option offers a cosmetic solution that allows affected individuals to blend their skin tone more effectively.
2. Corticosteroids: Topical creams containing corticosteroids can help reduce inflammation and potentially slow down the progression of the disease. Oral steroids may also be prescribed in severe cases.
3. Phototherapy: Light therapy sessions using UVA or UVB rays can stimulate melanocyte activity and promote repigmentation of affected areas. Narrowband UVB phototherapy is considered the most effective treatment option.
4. Excimer laser therapy: A targeted laser beam is used to deliver high doses of UVB light directly to affected areas, stimulating melanocyte activity and promoting repigmentation.
5. Depigmentation: In some cases, particularly when vitiligo affects large portions of the body, complete depigmentation may be considered to ensure even skin tone. This process involves the use of topical drugs that destroy melanocytes throughout the body, resulting in uniform skin color.

Related topics

• Lupus vitiligo: Some people with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) may develop vitiligo as a secondary manifestation of their autoimmune disorder. SLE is characterized by inflammation affecting multiple organs and tissues in the body.
• Prince Michael Jackson vitiligo: Prince Michael Jackson II, son of pop icon Michael Jackson, was diagnosed with vitiligo during his childhood. His father initially helped him cover up the white patches on his skin with makeup, but he eventually chose to embrace his condition publicly. Prince Michael Jackson advocated for greater awareness and understanding of vitiligo throughout his life.