Vitiligo

Today is World Vitiligo Day! Let’s talk about it.

Vitiligo is a chronic skin condition characterized by the loss of pigment, resulting in white patches on the skin. This occurs when melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing skin pigment (melanin), are destroyed. The exact cause of this destruction is not entirely understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, autoimmune, and environmental factors.

Key Points about Vitiligo:

1. Symptoms:

- White patches of skin that may spread and change shape.

- Premature whitening or graying of the hair on the scalp, eyelashes, eyebrows, or beard.

- Loss of color in the tissues that line the inside of the mouth and nose (mucous membranes).

- Loss of or change in color of the inner layer of the eye (retina).

2. Types of Vitiligo:

- Segmental Vitiligo: Often affects one side of the body or a specific area.

- Non-Segmental Vitiligo: More common, usually symmetrically affects both sides of the body.

3. Causes and Risk Factors:

- Autoimmune Factors: The body’s immune system mistakenly attacks melanocytes.

- Genetic Factors: Family history of vitiligo or other autoimmune diseases.

- Environmental Triggers: Sunburn, exposure to industrial chemicals, and significant stress.

4. Diagnosis:

- Physical examination.

- Wood's lamp (UV light) examination to highlight pigment loss.

- Skin biopsy and blood tests to rule out other conditions and check for associated autoimmune disorders.

5. Treatment:

- Topical Treatments: Corticosteroid creams, calcineurin inhibitors, Opzelura.

- Light Therapy: Narrowband UVB therapy, PUVA (psoralen and ultraviolet A) therapy.

- Surgical Options: Skin grafting, micropigmentation.

- Depigmentation: Removing remaining pigment for a uniform appearance (used in severe cases).

- Supportive Treatments: Sunscreens, cosmetic cover-ups, counseling, and support groups.

6. Impact on Quality of Life:

- Psychological impact due to changes in appearance.

- Increased risk of sunburn in depigmented areas.

- Potential social stigma and emotional stress.

Living with Vitiligo:

Managing vitiligo involves protecting the skin from the sun, using appropriate skincare products, and seeking medical and psychological support. Regular follow-ups with a dermatologist can help in managing the condition and monitoring the effectiveness of treatments.

Resources:

https://dermnetnz.org/topics/vitiligo

https://www.thisisvitiligo.com/

https://www.opzelura.com/vitiligo/what-is-opzelura