An emerging skin condition, vitiligo, is mentioned in the Bible and documented in ancient Roman paintings. It was once treated with topical hydrogen peroxide as recently.
Today, doctors prescribe medications that assist in the repigmentation of skin affected by vitiligo. You may still have unanswered questions, so we have written this article to help you learn more. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about what is vitiligo.
What Is Vitiligo?
Vitiligo is an acquired depigmentation disorder in which the cells in the skin pigment are destroyed. The loss of pigment results in the appearance of white patches on the skin. Vitiligo can affect any skin area but is most commonly seen on the face, neck, and hands.
The exact cause of vitiligo is unknown, but it is considered an autoimmune disorder. There is no cure for vitiligo, but treatments are available to improve the appearance of the skin.
The Causes of Vitiligo
There are many possible causes of vitiligo, but the exact cause is still unknown.
Some possible causes include, first, an autoimmune disease. In this case, the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the melanocytes, the cells that produce pigment.
The second is oxidative stress. This is when there is an imbalance between the production of free radicals and the body’s ability to neutralize them.
Third is neural. This theory suggests that vitiligo is caused by damage to the nervous system, which can affect the melanocytes.
Lastly, genetic. This is caused by a change in the melanocytes’ genes.
Symptoms of Vitiligo
There are two types of vitiligo, segmental and non-segmental. Segmental vitiligo is a white patch on one side of the body, often in a symmetrical pattern. Non-segmental vitiligo is white patches that appear on both sides of the body, often in an unexpected way.
One of the most common symptoms of vitiligo is the appearance of white patches on the skin. Other symptoms may include loss of pigment in the hair, eyes, and mucous membranes. Vitiligo can have a profound psychological effect, causing anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. There is no cure for vitiligo, but treatments are available to improve the appearance of the skin.
Treatment for Vitiligo
The decision about which treatment to use depends on the extent of the vitiligo, the type of skin, the age of the person, and other factors. Treatment can be challenging, and it may take several attempts before you achieve the results.
There are two main types of treatment for vitiligo:
- Topical
- Systemic
Topical treatments include creams and ointments for the affected area. Systemic therapies are for the mouth or injected, and the whole body will treat.
Experts in medicine now understand this condition much better than they did decades ago. With their advanced knowledge, they can create a modern treatment with it. Look here for more about the treatment.
Outlook for People With Vitiligo
This guide is a great place to start if you’re looking for more information about what is vitiligo.
There is no cure for this, but treatments are available to help improve the appearance of the skin. If you have vitiligo, talk to your doctor about which treatment option may be right for you. Did you find this information helpful? If so, keep reading for more helpful health content.
