What is Vitiligo?

Vitiligo is a skin condition where the skin loses its color, causing lighter patches and spots to form. The amount of color loss can vary from person to person, with some only having a few spots while others have more widespread depigmentation. This condition happens when the cells that produce melanin, called melanocytes, are destroyed. Vitiligo can affect any part of the body and may be linked to other autoimmune disorders. Although it's not contagious or life-threatening, the visible changes in skin color can have a psychological and emotional impact on those affected.

Causes of Vitiligo

Vitiligo develops when melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin the pigment that gives color to the skin, hair, and eyes, stop functioning or die. As a result, the involved patches of the skin become lighter or white. The exact causes for the malfunction or death of these pigments are not fully understood, and here are some key factors associated with the development of vitiligo:

• A disorder of the immune system (autoimmune condition)
• Family history (heredity)
• Stress.
• Environmental triggers such as severe sunburn or skin trauma, such as contact with chemicals.

Symptoms of Vitiligo

• Patches of skin that lose color usually first appear on the hands, face, and areas around body openings and the genitals. These can appear white or lighter than your natural skin tone.
• Premature whitening or graying of the hair on your scalp, eyelashes, eyebrows or beard
• Loss of color in the tissues that line the inside of the mouth and nose (mucous membranes)

The symptoms of vitiligo can vary from mild, affecting a small area of the body, to severe, impacting a larger portion of the skin. Some people with vitiligo experience itchy skin before depigmentation starts.

Types of Vitiligo:

Vitiligo is of  two main types:

Non-Segmental Vitiligo

• Generalized: Extensive and evenly distributed loss of pigmentation.

• Universal: Almost the entire body is affected.

Segmental Vitiligo:

• Localized: Loss of pigmentation limited to a single segment or one side of the body.

• Focal: Irregular patches dispersed in a particular region.

Treatment For Vitiligo

Medications or medicated skin creams, such as corticosteroids or calcineurin inhibitors, have the potential to restore color to the depigmented patches of skin in individuals with vitiligo.Phototherapy(Use of Light ) also referred to as the utilization of light, is utilized to assist in the rejuvenation of pigmentation in the skin impacted by vitiligo. There are several options for light therapy, including the use of light boxes by medical professionals to treat larger areas affected by vitiligo, while laser treatments are employed for more specific regions.Depigmentation is a procedure that aims to remove pigmentation from darker areas of the skin to match the white patches commonly seen in vitiligo. This treatment is usually suggested for individuals with vitiligo that covers more than half of their body. It is a permanent solution, but it may take over a year to complete. Like other therapies, it is important to limit sun exposure during and after the treatment. Micropigmentation (Tattooing) becomes an option when achieving repigmentation is difficult. This involves applying pigments resembling the natural skin color to the affected skin.

Dermatologists might think about using surgical methods for stubborn segmental vitiligo or any type of vitiligo that doesn't respond to other treatments. However, surgery is usually not recommended if the vitiligo is spreading or if the person is prone to scarring or developing keloids, which are raised scars larger than the original wound.

If you are experiencing Vitiligo, consult with a doctor for appropriate guidance and vitiligo treatment.