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Vitiligo (or albinism) usually appears after the age of 10. This is a sign that the production of melanin - a group of pigments produced by melanocytes (pigment cells) that gives color to the skin, eyes and hair - has been disrupted. What are the causes and symptoms of vitiligo? What problems do people with this type of albinism deal with? Find out how vitiligo is treated.
Vitiligo , or vitiligo, is a skin disease that involves depigmentation, i.e. the dying off of melanocytes - cells responsible for the color of the skin - and the formation of discolored, light spots on the skin of the body . Today, 1-2 percent of the population struggles with vitiligo.
Vitiligo - causes
The causes of the disease are not exactly known, but it is supposed that it may be an effect of:
- malfunctioning oxidative mechanisms: the products of the metabolism of melanin synthesis cause damage to the skin pigment;
- autoimmune reaction: problems in the immune system cause melanocyte damage. These are, for example, pernicious anemia or alopecia areata;
- disorders of the nervous system: changes may appear after experiencing high stress or mental shock;
- (very rarely) mechanical injuries of the skin: e.g. scratches
It's good to know that people with thyroid disease, diabetes, pernicious anemia, Addison's disease, or immune system disorders are more likely to develop vitiligo.
Vitiligo symptoms
Vitiligo symptomsusually appear between the ages of 10 and 20. This type of vitiligo is much more common than congenital albinism. A characteristic feature of this disease is the absence of light spots with edges darker than the surrounding skin, of different size and shape on one side of the body (segmental vitiligo), symmetrically arranged in different areas of the body (vitiligo) or over the entire body ( total vitiligo).
Areas of the body affected by Vitiligo:
- head (hair in the area of skin discoloration is also free of dye - discolored strand of hair appears)
- face
- dorsal surface of the hands (symmetrically arrangedaround joints)
- genital skin
- feet
- elbows
- knees
Vitiligo spotsmay appear suddenly or gradually. They are not painful or harmful, but they are disfiguring and may be an aesthetic problem for patients, especially in summer, whenwhite spotsbecome visible under the influence of the sun (sun rays can also cause erythema within the lesion).
Vitiligo - diagnosis and treatment
In order to diagnose vitiligo, a thorough medical history is carried out (the dermatologist must make sure that white spots are not accompanied by other symptoms), a Wood's lamp test, which emits ultraviolet light (vitiligo skin should "glow" in white) . Your doctor may also order a skin biopsy and blood test (to find out what's causing the changes).
Vitiligo is very difficult to treat, but in some cases it is possible to improve with "treatment" by brushing with plant preparations, the purpose of which, in combination with sunlight or quartz lamp irradiation, stimulates the formation of a new formation skin pigment, i.e. melanocytes (phototherapy). You can also use PUVA lamps, but it is a long therapy (from several months to about a year).
Improvement may also occur under the influence of the sun's rays alone. However, skin without pigment cannot defend itself against UV radiation, so in order to avoid skin burns, this treatment requires great care (first of all, applywhite spots on the skincreams with strong filters, min. 30 SPF).
In the early stages of the disease, your doctor may recommend topical corticosteroids or immunosuppressive creams and ointments.
In some situations, permanent makeup may be helpful to mask the changes. It is also recommended to use self-tanners or bronzing lotions.
About the author
Monika Majewska A journalist specializing in he alth issues, especially in the areas of medicine, he alth protection and he althy eating. Author of news, guides, interviews with experts and reports. Participant of the largest Polish National Medical Conference "Polish woman in Europe", organized by the "Journalists for He alth" Association, as well as specialist workshops and seminars for journalists organized by the Association.
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