Vitiligo
Introduction
Patches of skin lose their colour or pigmentation due to the chronic skin disease vitiligo. Vitiligo is believed to be an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks and kills melanocytes, the cells that produce pigment in the skin, hair, and eyes. The exact cause of vitiligo is not completely understood. People of all ages and races can develop vitiligo, though those with darker skin tend to show it more prominently. The disorder may run in families and is frequently accompanied by other inflammatory illnesses like thyroid disease or type 1 diabetes. Although there is no known cure for vitiligo, there are a number of treatment choices that can help manage the symptoms.
Pathophysiology
Melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing the pigment melanin, which provides colour to the skin, hair, and eyes, are destroyed as part of the pathophysiology of vitiligo. The immune system of the body, which includes melanocytes, attacks and destroys itself, is believed to be the cause of this destruction. Although the precise cause of this autoimmune reaction is unknown, it is thought to be a result of a mix of genetic and environmental factors. Studies have shown that vitiligo has a genetic component because it frequently occurs in families. However, it is believed that several environmental variables, including stress, exposure to specific chemicals, and skin trauma, can cause the illness to manifest. While the main cause of vitiligo is the death of melanocytes, the epidermis of those who have the condition also undergoes other changes. Changes in the amount of cytokines and other signaling molecules, as well as adjustments to the shape and functionality of other skin cells, are among these. These alterations may influence how the illness develops and progresses as well as how well it responds to therapy.
Signs and Symptoms
The appearance of patches of white or light-colored skin on different regions of the body is the main symptom of vitiligo. These spots usually start out small and over time may grow or spread to other places. The patches may appear symmetrically on both sides of the body, have sharp edges, or have an irregular form. Any portion of the body can be affected by vitiligo, but the face, hands, feet, arms, and genital region are the most frequently affected. The disorder may also have an impact on hair, leading to pigment loss in the hair on the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, and other areas of the body.
Some individuals with vitiligo may additionally experience thickening, scaling, or the emergence of tiny, white bumps on the skin in addition to the loss of pigment. Although vitiligo is usually a painless condition, the obvious changes in skin colour can be upsetting. Other autoimmune diseases like thyroid disease or type 1 diabetes may also be linked to it, which can lead to extra symptoms. If you notice any skin changes or have worries about the condition of your skin, it’s essential to speak with a healthcare professional.
How do Dermatologists treat Vitiligo?
While there is no cure for vitiligo, dermatologists may recommend several treatment options to help improve the appearance of the skin and reduce the contrast between affected and unaffected areas. The extent and seriousness of the condition, as well as the preferences and requirements of the person, will all influence the treatment option. Some common treatment options for vitiligo include:
- Topical corticosteroids: These creams or ointments are applied to the skin’s affected regions in an effort to lessen swelling and suppress the immune reaction that is causing pigment loss.
- Topical calcineurin inhibitors: These drugs inhibit the immune system, which makes them useful for treating vitiligo in regions that are challenging to treat with topical corticosteroids, like the area around the eyes, mouth, or nostrils.
- Narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) treatment exposes the skin to a particular wavelength of ultraviolet light, which can aid in repigmenting the afflicted areas by stimulating the production of melanocytes. With a prescribed lightbox, this treatment can be administered at home or in a dermatologist’s clinic.
- Excimer laser: This kind of laser treatment targets focused light beams at the skin’s trouble spots to encourage repigmentation and melanocyte production.
- Skin grafting: This procedure entails taking tiny fragments of healthy, pigmented skin and transplanting them to vitiligo-affected skin areas.
- Micropigmentation: This cosmetic procedure involves tattooing pigments that match the surrounding healthy skin colour onto the skin in order to give the impression of uniform colour.
Before & After Treatment Images
