Vitiligo is a skin condition that causes loss of pigmentation in certain areas of the skin. The condition results from the destruction of melanocytes, the cells that produce the pigment melanin, which gives color to the skin, hair, and eyes.
Vitiligo most commonly affects the skin on the face, neck, and hands, as well as body folds and areas around body openings, such as the eyes, nostrils, and genitals.
Symptoms of vitiligo include:
- Discolored patches of skin, which can be white or lightened in color
- Loss of color around the eyes, nose, mouth, or genitals
- Loss of color in the scalp, beard, or eyebrows
- Premature whitening or graying of the hair on the scalp, eyelashes, or eyebrows
Causes
The exact cause of vitiligo is not known, but several theories have been proposed. Some scientists believe that the condition may be an autoimmune disorder, while others suggest that it may be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Vitiligo is not contagious and it doesn’t harm physical health. But it can have an impact on mental health and emotional well-being because it is a visible condition that may cause the person to feel self-conscious or embarrassed.
normal and vitiligo arms
There is no cure for vitiligo, but several treatments can help to restore color to the affected areas of skin. These include:
- Topical corticosteroids: creams or ointments containing a steroid medication that can help to reduce inflammation and improve pigmentation
- Topical calcineurin inhibitors: creams or ointments that can help to slow the destruction of melanocytes
- Ultraviolet light therapy: this treatment involves exposing the affected skin to controlled amounts of UV light, which can help to repigment the skin
- Depigmentation: this treatment involves using a cream to lighten the surrounding unaffected skin so that it matches the color of the vitiligo-affected areas.
It is important to consult with a doctor or a specialist in the treatment of vitiligo to figure out which treatment is best for you.