Vitiligo
Introduction
Vitiligo is a chronic skin condition characterized by the loss of melanin, the pigment that gives the skin its color. This occurs when melanocytes, pigments-producing cells, are destroyed or stop functioning. It leads to the development of white patches on the skin, which may vary in size and location. Although it is not infectious or life-threatening, vitiligo can have a significant emotional and psychological effect on individuals due to its visual nature
Types of Vitiligo
Segmental Vitiligo
Affects only one part or section of the body. It usually starts at an early age and grows up to one or two years before stabilizing.
Non-segmenal (generalized) vitiligo
The most common type, where white patches appear symmetrically on both sides of the body. It often spreads slowly.
Focal Vitiligo
A rare form with some scattered white patches in a local area. It does not spread in a specific pattern.
Trichome vitiligo
The normal skin and depicted patches show a gradation of color, often a lighter area between them.
Causes of Vitiligo
- The immune system accidentally attacks the pigment-producing cells (melanocytes).
- Vitiligo can run in families, indicating a genetic link.
- Free radicals can damage melanocytes through oxidative stress
- The neurals may leave toxins for the pigment cells at the end
- The loss of the pigment can be triggered in contact with some chemicals
- Emotional or physical stress can contribute to the state
- Skin injuries like cut or burning can cause white patches
- Abnormal melanin production can damage melanocytes
- Hormonal changes during puberty or pregnancy can trigger vitiligo
- Industrial chemicals such as phenols can destroy pigments cells
- Family history of autoimmune diseases increases the risk of vitiligo
Clinical features of Vitiligo:
White Patches on Skin
Clearly defined white patches appear due to loss of melanin in affected areas.
Symmetric pattern
In non-segmenal vitiligo, white patches usually appear on both sides of the body.
Usually affected area
The patch is often seen when the face, arms, feet, elbows, knees and body are seen.
Hair Depression
The hair that grows on the skin can be white or gray due to loss of pigments.
Mucosal participation
The lips, inside the mouth, and the genitals can also be shown mucosal patches.
Symptoms associated with Vitiligo
- The presence of white or light colored patches on the skin.
- Hair premature white or brown on the skull, eyelids, or beard.
- Loss of color inside the mouth or on the mucous membrane.
- Change the inner layer (retina) of the eye.
- Opening of the body like eyes, nostrils, or around the navel.
- There is an increase in sensitivity to sunlight in the areas of the skin.
- Mild itching or irritation in some affected skin patch.
- Psychological crisis caused by appearance and visual change in self-image.
Investigations in Vitiligo
- Doctors observe the skin to assess the size, size, location and symmetry of the visually white patch, which helps identify the type and severity of vitiligo.
An ultraviolet (UV) light is used in a dark room to detect the early sub -depictive areas that do not appear to the naked eyes, which confirm vitiligo diagnosis and range.
A small skin sample is taken from the deposit area and examined under a microscope to confirm the absence of melanocytes under a microscope, excluding other skin conditions.
Blood testing blood sugar levels to detect diabetes, as vitiligo is often associated with autoimmune diseases including type 1 diabetes, which can be co -existence with pigmentation loss.
Autoimmune measures the level of thyroid hormones (T3, T4, TSH) to detect the thyroid conditions such as Hashimoto or Graves Diseases, which are usually associated with vitiligo.
The blood detects autointibody, indicating the presence of an autoimmune disorder, which can help understand the cause of vitiligo in autoimmune cases.
Checks for anemia, infection, or other systemic health issues, as some hematological abnormalities may co-collect with vitiligo or affect the patient’s overall health.
Vitamin B12 and folic acid levels assess the levels, as the drawbacks in these vitamins can contribute to dyes or to be associated with autoimmune issues.
Particularly evaluates hormonal imbalance during puberty, pregnancy, or thyroid disorders, which can sometimes act as a trigger or spoil the vitiligo symptoms.