Vitiligo

Vitiligo is a common skin disorder characterised by patches of pigmentation loss on the skin. The cause of vitiligo still hasn’t been determined, what is known is that the melanocytes (pigmentation cells) are destroyed, leading to the characteristic white patches on the skin. It is the melanocytes that produce melanin, the pigment that gives the skin it's colour. Genetics are believed to play a role in the development of vitiligo and that it is an autoimmune disorder. Some people have reported that they developed vitiligo after an injury or sunburn.

Around 1% of the population suffer from vitiligo, and it occurs in both sexes & people of all ages. Approximately half of all cases are in individuals who are under 20 when the condition first appears. Any part of the body can be affected with the groin, genitals, face, neck, scalp, backs of hands more commonly affected. Hair in areas of the body affected by vitiligo will usually turn white also.  In some cases, the entire body will be affected, this is known as complete or universal vertigo.

Vitiligo is not contagious, nor is it dangerous. Other than white patches, people with vitiligo are usually in good health. It does seem to be more common in people with other autoimmune disorders such as diabetes, hyperthyroidism (over active thyroid), Addison's disease.

Vitiligo can have an enormous emotional & psychological impact on people, especially if the condition is in visible areas. Michael Jackson suffered from vitiligo.

Symptoms of vitiligo:

Flat, white patches of skin, this is more noticeable on dark skinned people. Patches start out small,  increasing in size. White patches can appear on both sides of the body & appear to be symmetrical in appearance. Light skinned people may not notice patches until they go out in the sun. Vitiligo generally produces no other symptoms, it is painless & not itchy. Sunburn or a rash may occur on affected areas after exposure to the sun, this is due to the lack of pigmentation.

Vitiligo treatment:

There is no cure for vitiligo. In some cases, the disorder will resolve on it's own. There are two basic treatment therapies, re-pigmentation therapy which consists of re-pigmenting the affected areas and de-pigmentation therapy which works on de-pigmenting the remaining pigmented areas of skin. Treatment options depend on how widespread the patches are, their location & patient preference.

Re-pigmentation;

• Topical steroid therapy - May be applied to affected areas. This is best in the early stages.

• PUVA therapy - A substance called psoralen is taken orally prior to exposure to ultraviolet light A (UVA). Psoralens make the skin more sensitive to UV light. This is known as PUVA (psoralens plus ultraviolet A). Treatment takes 6 to 12 months to complete and requires 2-4 treatments per week. Ultraviolet exposure does increase the risk of skin cancer.

• Autologous skin grafts  - Skin is removed from pigmented areas & grafted onto affected patches.

De-pigmentation;

• In some cases, people with extensive areas of de-pigmented skin may decide on de-pigmentation. This makes unaffected areas go white, producing an all over even skin tone. Treatment takes 6-12 months to complete. Skin de-pigmentation is permanent and can not be reversed.

Other;

• No treatment - This is an option if patches aren't too visible, ie; in fair skinned people.

• Skin camoflage - Cosmetics can be used to cover patches of de-pigmented skin. 

• Sunscreen - To protect de-pigmented areas which are vulnerable to sunburn.

Also see:

Tinea versicolour

Please note:

The medical articles on this site have not been written by a doctor & should not be considered a replacement for a doctor visit. The articles are provided for informative purposes only.

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