Multiple Skin conditions, such as acne and acne scars, affect millions of people. One such prevalent condition is Vitiligo. Almost every person has witnessed or encountered a person who suffers from vitiligo. It is not a threatening condition and generally does not cause any complications rather than paling of the skin. 

What is Vitiligo?

Vitiligo is a medical skin condition that occurs when the skin cells, also known as melanocytes, that are responsible for skin colour are destroyed. This leads to melanocytes being unable to produce melanin, a skin pigment causing the area of the skin to turn white or lose colour. 

Vitiligo patients comprise about 0.5 to 1 per cent of the world population. Whereas in India, the rate is as high as 8.8 per cent, as per the Lancet study. The condition is not contagious nor dangerous.

The lost pigment can develop in any body area, including sun-exposed areas, face, legs, arms, hands, etc. It can also develop inside the mouth, nostrils, genitals, back of the eyes, or inside the hearing system of the eye. The areas where hair is affected can also turn the hair grey. 

Related Blog: What should you know about leprosy? 

What Are The Symptoms Of Vitiligo?

The symptoms of vitiligo are stated below:

• Pale or white patches on the skin.
• Lack of pigment in the inner lining of the nose and lips or the mucous membranes.
• Premature whitening or greying of hair, facial hair, lashes, and eyebrows.

Around 75% of people with the condition have experienced white patches on the face and hands. At the same time, other common areas are under the arms and the groin. 

What Are The Different Types Of Vitiligo?

The different types of vitiligo depend on the areas of the skin affected such as:

• Universal vitiligo affects most of the surface of the skin.
• Segmental vitiligo affects one side of the body and progresses slowly.
• Generalised vitiligo affects both sides of the body symmetrically. It is one of the most common patterns and can affect melanocyte cells anywhere in the body.
• Focal affects only a few body areas and appears as smaller patches.
• Acrofacial primarily affects the face, hands, and feet.

 
What Puts You At Risk Of Increasing Your Chances Of Developing Vitiligo?

The condition of vitiligo is not inherited, and therefore there does not appear to be an actual cause. However, per a study, a history of the condition in the family or other autoimmune disorders can increase the risk of developing vitiligo. 

It is an autoimmune disorder as the body attacks its cells. About 20% of the population with vitiligo also suffers from other autoimmune conditions. Other autoimmune diseases associated with vitiligo include the following.

• Thyroiditis
• Psoriasis
• Baldness
• Inability to absorb vitamin B12
• Type 1 diabetes
• rheumatoid arthritis
• Addison’s Disease
• Scleroderma

What Are The Treatment Options Available For Vitiligo?

The Treatment of this condition focuses on retrieving the colour balance. Some treatments add pigment to the skin, while others remove it depending on the following conditions.

• The location and size of the patch.
• How responsive you are to the treatment?
• How many patches do you have?
• The severity of the condition
• How widespread is the condition?

Various treatment options are available, some of which are listed below. 

Medical Treatment

It usually takes three months or more for the treatment to show visible effects. Various medical treatments are available, including topical creams, oral medications, psoralen and ultraviolet A light therapy, narrowband ultraviolet B light therapy, depigmentation, and excimer laser treatment. 

Surgical Treatment

Multiple surgical options are available if the medical treatment doesn’t work. Your doctor may suggest such treatment when your condition is not caused by sun damage and is stable. The following surgical options include-

• Skin grafting refers to the treatment in which the doctor transfers healthy pigmented skin to areas which lack pigmentation. Certain risks involved with this treatment include infection, scarring, or failure in pigmentation.

• Melanocyte Transplants are the treatment in which the doctor removes a part of healthy tissues, cultures the cells of melanocytes, and then transplants it to areas which lack pigmentation.

• Micropigmentation, in this treatment, the doctor tattoos pigment into the skin. This is an excellent procedure for lips. However, it might be challenging to match the skin colour.

Other Ways To Manage The Condition While The Treatment Goes On

Although you may be receiving your treatment for vitiligo, you can incorporate some aspects into your routine life. This includes using sunscreen to reduce sun exposure. Tanning will change the contrast of your skin, and the sun can damage the depigmented areas. 

Self-tanning lotions and make-up do work. Self-tanning creams last longer, even with washing. However, a condition like vitiligo is entirely normal, and it is absolutely fine to live with or without the treatment. 

The Final Say

Vitiligo is a skin disorder and should be understood similarly by society. Treatment options are available, and those who want to get those done can do so. However, it should be acceptable by society if those who suffer from this condition prefer otherwise. 

Bansal Hospital Bhopal has the best dermatology and cosmetology department that provides apt diagnoses of multiple skin disorders and conditions while giving suitable treatment.