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Vitiligo

by | Feb 16, 2022 | Uncategorized

Vitiligo

 

Vitiligo is an auto-immune condition in which pigment cells are destroyed; resulting in irregularly shaped hypo pigmented (usually white) patches on the skin.

 

Melanin is the pigment that determines the color of our skin, hair, and eyes. It is produced in cells called, Melanocytes. If melanocytes cannot form melanin OR if the number of melanocytes is decreased, skin color will progressively become lighter.

 

Any part of the body can be affected. The most commonly affected areas are:

  • Exposed surfaces of the body:

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    • Face
    • Neck
    • Eyelids
    • Nostrils
    • Nipples
    • Navel
    • Genitalia

 

  • Body Folds:
    • Armpits
    • Groin
  • Site(s) of Injury:

 

    • Cuts
    • Scrapes

 

    • Burns
    • Deep Skin Infection(s)

 

  • Around pigmented moles
  • Hair
    • Early graying of hair on the scalp and body
  • Retina

Affected Population

Vitiligo affects:

  • At least 1% of the population
  • All races equally
  • 50% of sufferers will notice pigment loss before the age of 20
  • 1/5 of sufferers, other family member(s) will also have Vitiligo

 

Generally, most people with Vitiligo are in good health, they will face a greater risk of having other autoimmune disease(s) in their future though. These autoimmune disease(s) can include:

  • Thyroid Disease
  • Pernicious Anemia (B12 Deficiency)
  • Addison’s Disease (adrenal gland disease)
  • Alopecia Areata (round patches of hair loss)

Cause

The cause for Vitiligo is NOT known. It can at times follow physical injury such as a sunburn or emotional stress. There are three (3) theories on the cause(s) for Vitiligo:

  • The body’s pigment cells are injured by abnormally functioning nerve cells.
  • There may be an autoimmune reaction against the pigment cells.
    1. The body possibly destroying its own tissue, which it perceives as foreign.

The severity of Vitiligo differs with EACH individual:

 

 

 

  • Light skinned individuals will usually notice pigment loss during the summer months as the contrast between the affected skin and tanned skin becomes more prominent and distinct.
  • Dark skinned individuals will notice the onset of Vitiligo at any time.
  • In the more severe cases, it is possible to lose pigment over the entire body.
  • The eyes do NOT change color.

There is no way to predict how much pigment an individual can or will lose. The degree of pigment loss within each vitiligo patch can vary different shades of brown. A border of darker skin may circle an area of light skin.

 

Vitiligo will frequently begin with a rapid loss of pigment, followed by a lengthy period when the skin color does not change. Later, the pigment loss may begin again. The loss of color may continue, until for unknown reasons, the process stops. Cycles of pigment loss followed by periods of stability can continue indefinitely.

 

Protection against Sun Exposure

The hypo pigmented (white) skin NEEDS sun protection as it is only capable of burning! It cannot tan! The normal skin will also need protection to prevent sunburn as this can promote the spreading of the vitiligo. Methods for protection include:

  • Protective Clothing
  • Applying sunscreen (SPF 30+)

Treatment

Treatment is currently not very satisfactory. Methods include:

  • Topical steroid cream.
    • A potent anti-inflammatory cortisone cream may reverse the process if applied to the affected areas for a few weeks in the early stage of the condition.
  • PUVA.
    • This form of light treatment requires taking a psoralen medicine and then being exposed to Ultraviolet Light (UVA).
    • Gradual but partial repigmentation can result from this treatment type.
      • The hands and feet respond poorly, the face and trunk do better.
      • When the treatment is stopped, it is common for some of the returned pigment to disappear again.
    • The treatment takes less than five minutes, but must be done twice weekly for up to two (2) years.
    • This form of treatment cannot be performed on children OR extremely fair skinned people.
    • The pigment loss should have NOT been present for MORE than 5 years.
  • Depigmentation Therapy
    • Should a dark skinned have vitiligo affecting a large part of the exposed areas, he/she may want to undergo depigmentation.
      • A cream containing Monobenzyl Ether of Hydroquinone is applied to the skin, causing total pigment loss.
      • The effect is usually permanent.

Associations/Foundations

  • National Vitiligo Foundation, Inc.
  • Dr. Kahn’s Surgical Method for repigmentation
  • Support Group(s) – information