SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR
SKIN’S NEEDS
VITILIGO
What is it?
Vitiligo is a skin condition characterized by the loss of pigmentation, resulting in white patches on the skin. This occurs when the cells responsible for producing melanin (melanocytes) either die or stop functioning.
Who gets Vitiligo?
Vitiligo can affect anyone, but it is more noticeable in people with darker skin tones. It commonly begins before age 20 and is not life-threatening or contagious.
Causes
- Autoimmune disorders where the immune system attacks melanocytes.
- Genetic predisposition (family history).
- Triggering events like sunburn, stress, or chemical exposure.
Symptoms
- Patchy loss of skin colour, often on sun-exposed areas like the face, hands, and feet.
- Premature graying or whitening of scalp hair, eyebrows, eyelashes, or beard.
- Loss of colour inside the mouth or nose (mucous membranes).
Types of Vitiligo
- Generalised: Patches appear on many parts of the body.
- Segmental: Affects only one side or part of the body.
- Localised: Confined to one or a few areas.
Complications
- Increased risk of sunburn and skin cancer.
- Psychological distress due to appearance.
- Eye inflammation or hearing loss in rare cases.
Diagnosis
- Medical history and physical examination.
- Skin biopsy to examine pigment cells.
- Blood tests to rule out associated autoimmune disorders.
Treatment
- Medications: Creams to control inflammation or modify the immune response.
Procedures
