Everything You Need to Know About Vitiligo

Everything You Need to Know About Vitiligo

Brittni Devlin |Mar 30, 2021

What is Vitiligo?

Especially in recent years, where media is striving for representation, you may have noticed a few actors or models with contrasting skin pigmentation. Many individuals with these discolored patches of skin have vitiligo. While this condition has only recently been receiving more acknowledgment and visibility, people all over the world have had vitiligo for many years.

Symptoms of Vitiligo

Individuals with this condition exhibit patchy skin color. Many are often born with a monotone skin pigment, and symptoms manifest over the years. Every person suffers from the condition differently, involving a wide range of severity and affected areas. Different types can affect different parts of the body:

  • Universal vitiligo: nearly all of your body
  • Generalized vitiligo: many parts of your body (often symmetrically)
  • Segmental vitiligo: only one side of your body
  • Localized (focal) vitiligo: affects just a few targeted spots on the body
  • Acrofacial vitiligo: affects just the hands

While the loss of skin color can appear anywhere, some areas of the body are often affected first. These areas include the hands, face, and parts of the body surrounded by openings (such as the genitals).

It may also manifest as the premature loss of color in the hair. Although graying hair is expected with age, vitiligo may cause this to happen much earlier, such as in adolescence or teen years.

Some people may only exhibit symptoms when they are older; however, a vast majority of cases appear before the age of 30. Sometimes, the skin will regain its color over time with treatment. In other cases, the condition progresses. It’s difficult to gauge how vitiligo will impact a person.

Although the disease itself is not life-threatening, there are certain complications individuals suffering from this condition should keep in mind. Vitiligo increases the risk of sunburn, hearing problems, and eye problems. Additionally, the social stigma surrounding the condition sometimes forces individuals to endure social and psychological stress.

What Causes Vitiligo?

On a microscopic level, vitiligo refers to the death of melanocytes. Melanocytes are pigment-producing cells that give skin, eyes, and hair their natural color. When these cells die, the skin is left incredibly pale in appearance. Researchers are not sure of the exact cause of this cell death; however, there are several different theories why one would suffer from the disease.

Autoimmune Disorders

Some experts speculate that immune system disorders are responsible for abnormal behavior. The immune system is responsible for keeping the body safe and healthy. Some believe that when the body’s defense accidentally attacks healthy tissue, it can cause some damage. If the immune system happens to target melanocytes, this theoretically results in loss of pigmented tissue.

Genetics

Researchers found a connection between heredity and this condition. It’s possible that an inheritable genetic mutation is responsible for symptoms.

Environmental Factors

A traumatic triggering event may cause it. Triggering events can include stressful situations such as severe sunburns or contact with an incredibly corrosive chemical.

How to Get Diagnosed

Diagnosis of vitiligo involves a medical examination. A trained physician can assess your case. If you notice patchy pigmentation abnormalities appearing in your skin, it is a good idea to talk to your doctor. Although there is no cure for vitiligo, there are several treatments that may help with symptoms.

Treatments for Vitiligo

There are no treatments that stop vitiligo; however, some treatments may get color back in some cases. Depending on the medical assessment you receive, a doctor may suggest anti-inflammatory medication, light therapy, photochemotherapy, or depigmentation. However, these may have side effects to consider and are not guaranteed to be effective.

Above all when answering, it’s important to remember that vitiligo’s symptoms are more superficial than anything. Treatments are available to offer patients desired solutions, but vitiligo is not a dangerous condition that requires much treatment. Aside from taking extra care when the skin is exposed to the sun, if you are comfortable with your condition, there is no need to seek treatment.

If you are unhappy with the appearance of patchy spots, using makeup can help blend your skin colors together. Many individuals found happiness and success from embracing their vitiligo versus struggling to cover it up and blend in.

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Staff Writer | March 30, 2021

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Staff Writer | March 30, 2021

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Danielle Kemp | March 30, 2021

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