Vitiligo

Vitiligo (/vɪˈtɪlɪɡoʊ/) is a pigmentation disorder that leads to the loss of melanin, causing depigmented patches on the skin. The exact cause of vitiligo is not fully understood, but it's believed to be an autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakes melanocytes-the cells that produce melanin-as foreign and attacks them. This condition can affect people of all ethnic backgrounds, although it may be more noticeable in those with darker skin.

Symptoms

Symptoms of vitiligo usually first appear before age 35 and include:

• White, chalky patches on the skin, which can appear anywhere, but are most common on sun-exposed areas like the hands, arms, feet, and face
• Loss of color in the hair on your scalp, eyelashes, eyebrows, or beard
• Premature whitening or graying of the hair
• Loss of color in mucous membranes lining the inside of your mouth and nose

In some cases, these white patches may expand over time or new ones may appear. Some people also develop depigmentation on their genitals or inside their nostrils.

Vitiligo in babies

While vitiligo can occur at any age, it's rare in infants under one year old. If vitiligo appears in babies, it's usually diagnosed as segmental vitiligo, affecting only one side of the body and typically starting from a single focus point. It's important to consult a dermatologist for proper diagnosis if you notice white patches on your baby's skin.

Can you die from vitiligo?

Vitiligo itself does not directly cause death. However, associated psychological stress due to social stigma and depression in some individuals might increase the risk of developing complications such as mental health disorders. It is essential to address these issues promptly to ensure overall well-being.

Treatment

There is currently no cure for vitiligo, but various treatments can help manage its progression and improve appearance:

Medical treatment

• Topical corticosteroids: These creams help slow down melanocyte destruction but have potential side effects like thinning of skin and easy bruising.
• Calcipotriene: A synthetic form of vitamin D, calcipotriene promotes melanocyte activity and slows the progression of vitiligo.
• Tacrolimus: An immunosuppressant drug used to reduce inflammation and promote repigmentation.
• Narrowband UVB phototherapy: Controlled exposure to ultraviolet B light stimulates melanocyte activity and helps repigment the affected area. This treatment should be performed under a dermatologist's supervision.

Surgical options

Skin grafting techniques and blistering methods like PUVA therapy may be considered for extensive vitiligo cases when other treatments have failed. Discuss these options with your dermatologist to determine if they're suitable for your specific case.

Home remedies

Some individuals claim success using home remedies like aloe vera gel, coconut oil, and dietary changes; however, there is limited scientific evidence supporting these approaches. It is essential to consult a healthcare professional before trying any alternative therapies for vitiligo.

Consulting a doctor (vitiligo specialist)

If you suspect you have vitiligo or would like to explore treatment options, consider seeking advice from a dermatologist specializing in pigmentary disorders. Look for doctors experienced in vitiligo diagnosis and treatment to ensure optimal care and management of this condition.

Cura para Vitiligo (Spanish) / Cur Therapie voor Vitiligo (Dutch) / Traitement de la vitiligo (French)

When searching for treatment information related to vitiligo in Dutch, Spanish, or French, use keywords such as "vitiligo behandeling," "tratamiento de la vitiligo," or "traitement de la vitiligo," respectively. Research reputable sources for accurate and up-to-date information about available treatments and ongoing research for this condition.