What is vitiligo and its effects?
According to the American Academy of Dermatology. VITILIGO affects between 0.2 and 2 percent of people around the world.
Vitiligo (pronounced as vit-ih-LIE-go) is a skin disorder in which the appearance of smooth white patches occurs on the skin, termed patches or macules.
Patches, if 5mm or larger
Macules, if less than 5mm
SYMPTOMS
- Loss of skin color in the form of patches, which usually first appear on the hand, feet, face, and also around areas of body openings and genitals.
- Loss of color in the inside lining tissues of the mouth and the nose, which we also called mucous membranes.
- Premature turning of hair of your scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, or beard, into white or gray.
TYPES OF VITILIGO
There are two main types of vitiligo;
- Non-segmental vitiligo
- Segmental vitiligo
NON SEGMENTAL VITILIGO
Non-segmental is a type in which white patches appear on both sides of the body. The first signs may show up on hands, fingertips, wrists, around the eyes or mouth, or on the feet. Non-segmental can also be termed as bilateral or generalized vitiligo or vitiligo Vulgaris
Further types of Non-Segmental Vitiligo
- Acrofacial Vitiligo, is the appearance on the face, hands, and feet.
- Mucosal Vitiligo, appearance on membranes of the mouth, nose, and genitals.
- Localized or Vocal Vitiligo, on just a few areas of the body
- Universal Vitiligo involves 80-90% of a person’s skin
SEGMENTAL VITILIGO
Segmental Vitiligo is a type when only one side of a person’s body gets white patches, such as one arm and one leg instead of both. Loss of hair color is also involved in this type. About 5 to 16 percent of vitiligo cases are segmental vitiligo.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF VITILIGO?
The main cause of vitiligo is the death of melanocytes. Melanocytes are the cells that produce melanin, the pigment that gives color to our skin and hair. So decrease in melanin causes white patches to appear on the skin. However, the prominent cause of death or defunctioning of melanocytes is not completely understood yet, but basic theories are considered to be the cause of it.
- Autoimmune Disorder, where a person’s own immune system may develop antibodies that destroy melanocytes. Existing Autoimmune Diseases like psoriasis, systemic lupus erythematosus, Hashimoto’s disease, or alopecia areata, are more likely to develop vitiligo. Roughly 1 out of 4 people with vitiligo would have another autoimmune disease too.
- Genetic Factors are the factors that will cause to have vitiligo inheritably. This includes 30% of vitiligo cases.
- Neurogenic factors, a substance at the nerve endings of the skin can be released, which can be toxic to melanocytes.
- Self-destruction, defects in melanocytes can lead them to destroy themselves.
WHAT CONDITIONS CAN TRIGGER VITILIGO?
- Stressful events. Stress increases the levels of catecholamine, neuro peptides, and cortisol which are higher in vitiligo patients, suggesting their role in the pathogenesis of vitiligo.
- Skin damage. This can result in Koebner Response, which may result from either a linear exposure or irritation.
- Exposure to certain chemicals. Chemicals like mono benzyl ether of hydroquinone, or monobenzone
IS VITILIGO A MEDICAL DISEASE?
As vitiligo is concerned with skin color loss and alteration of appearance. It is often considered a cosmetic problem. Cosmetic characterizes the problem which only affects the look of a person but Vitiligo is clearly more than a cosmetic condition as it is caused due to medical changes. So, yes! it is a medical condition.
BE KINDER TOWARDS YOURSELF!
Feeling self-conscious and embarrassed is not an option to deal with vitiligo. You’re not alone in it. Accept your spots and stop criticizing yourself by standing in front of the mirror.
