Vitiligo: What is it and how is it treated?
Treatment Duration
30
Suggested Sessions
2-4 times/year
What is Vitiligo?
Vitiligo is a common skin condition that causes the skin to lose its natural pigment, melanin, resulting in uneven, milky white 'patches' on the skin.
The patient feels his skin is normal, however the stress caused by the aesthetic image of the disease creates psychological effects
Vitiligo is characterized as a chronic disease, it is not contagious and above all it is not life-threatening.
It affects all skin types, although it is more noticeable on dark skin.
«The onset of Vitiligo can cause serious disturbances in your psychology, so it would be good to contact a psychologist and share your thoughts with your friends and family.»
Who does Vitiligo concern?
Vitiligo affects 0.5 to 2% of the world's population. Vitiligo can occur in people of both sexes, regardless of age and ethnicity, although its symptoms, spots and patches, usually appear before the age of 30. It is estimated that about half of cases of vitiligo appear before the age of 20.
«About 100 million people suffer from vitiligo worldwide.»
Vitiligo Causes
Although the exact cause of vitiligo is not known, scientists have concluded that it is an autoimmune disease. A wrong "command" to the immune system, leads it to attack and destroy melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin, the natural pigment necessary for our skin color.
The initiation process of vitiligo can also be triggered by factors such as:
- The genetic predisposition.
- Intense stress, emotional or physical, such as after an injury.
- The weakened cellular environment.
- Exposure to toxins.
- Digestive disorders.
Spotted
- Focal
- Departmental
Discoloration is observed at a specific point and usually
it is the result of an injurywhich developed into vitiligo.
it is the result of an injurywhich developed into vitiligo.
It occurs mainly on one side of the body, but does not occupy a large area and the spots are not large in size.
Generalized:
- Acropersonal
- Mucosal
- Catholic
It manifests itself on the hands, feet and face.
White spots appear around the mucous glands of the body.
Almost the entire surface of the skin shows discoloration.
Note that vitiligo is an unpredictable skin disease. No one knows its evolution. Sometimes the spread of white marks stops without needing treatment But usually its development is progressive.
«Vitiligo symptoms usually appear before the age of 20, but there are cases that appear at an older age.»
Vitiligo Symptoms
The main symptom in vitiligo is areas of discoloration and the appearance of white spots that appear in different parts of the body.
When vitiligo begins, the symptoms usually appear:
- On hands
- On legs
- On face
Also vitiligo in some cases appears on the mucous membranes, namely:
- Inside the mouth
- Inside the nose
- In the genitals
Some more vitiligo symptoms are:
- Appearance of gray or white hair growth on the hair, eyelashes and beard in people under 35 years of age.
- Change in the color of the retina.
- Discoloration inside the nose and mouth.
«Although rare, vitiligo can affect vision and at the same time the color of the eyes, as well as cause hearing loss, since there are also melanocytes in the ear.»
Vitiligo: Photos
Autoimmune Predisposition & Vitiligo
People with vitiligo are at increased risk of other autoimmune diseases such as thyroid disorders, alopecia areata, diabetes and anemia.
Vitiligo Diagnosis
The diagnosis of vitiligo is made by the dermatologist by clinical examination and taking a complete medical history. The doctor will examine the skin under the light of a special diagnostic lamp (Wood Lamb), which can more easily identify skin discolorations.
Your dermatologist is also likely to order blood tests, as people with vitiligo may also have other autoimmune conditions such as thyroid disorders, as well as autoimmune disorders that affect joints, muscles, and connective tissue.
Ask the doctor
Dr. Loizidis Christoforos
Dermatologist - Venereologist
210 69 29 999
Vitiligo Treatment
After the diagnosis of vitiligo, the dermatologist will discuss with you the treatment approach you can choose. The treatment for vitiligo is always individualized and depends on the type, the extent of the symptoms and the patient's wishes.
Dealing with vitiligo is an extremely difficult task.
Vitiligo treatment generally has two goals:
- The restoration of color to the skin.
- Limiting the spread of white marks on the body or face.
The approach to treat vitiligo can be:
Topical medicinal preparations
Medicines (creams, ointments, etc.) which slow down the progression of vitiligo and help the melanocytes to regenerate and restore the color to the skin.
Discoloration treatment
Depigmentation treatments are chosen less often mainly by people with extensive white marks who do not wish to continue with skin color restoration treatment.
Phototherapy
Phototherapy, which is a modern method of treating vitiligo symptoms and restoring the skin's natural color. With phototherapy, the skin is exposed to ultraviolet radiation for a specific period of time. Phototherapy in vitiligo is particularly effective in the face and neck area.
Surgery
Surgery, which may involve a skin graft or cell transplant, is another treatment approach, especially in people who do not have active vitiligo.
Before starting treatment for vitiligo you should know 3 important things:
- Treatment for vitiligo works slowly.
- Vitiligo can become persistent.
- The treatment concerns the discoloration of the skin and not the disease itself. Its effects may weaken and maintenance treatments may be needed.
Beauty tip! You don't need to be ashamed of your body, but if it makes you feel better, you can apply makeup to the vitiligo spots to cover them up.
Preventing deterioration in vitiligo
By taking care of your skin you can protect it from the spread of vitiligo:
- By protecting your skin from the sun, you avoid sunburn, which can worsen vitiligo. Look for shady places, apply sunscreen daily, and wear appropriate clothing.
- Never use a solarium.
- If you wish to add color to your skin, prefer makeup.
- Avoid cuts, scrapes and patches. They may create new spots.
- Boost your immunity with healthy habits.
- Take care of your mental health and self-confidence.
Vitiligo: Myths & Truths
The more one knows about vitiligo, the better one can deal with it. Below are myths and truths surrounding it.
Myth: Vitiligo is contagious.
Truth: No, vitiligo is not contagious and is not spread by physical contact.
Myth: Eating certain foods or a combination of them can cause vitiligo.
Truth: Despite the fact that for many years people believed that vitiligo was linked to diet there is no scientific theory to substantiate this.
Myth: People with vitiligo have parents of different races.
Truth: Vitiligo is not related to the nationality of the parents, nor to their color.
Myth: Vitiligo affects only the parts of the body exposed to light.
Truth: Vitiligo, in addition to areas exposed to sunlight can also affect the groin, armpits, mucous membranes (inside the mouth and nose) and the retina.
Frequent Questions
How is vitiligo treated?
Vitiligo is not curable. Depending on the type and examination of the symptoms you are experiencing, the dermatologist will recommend the corresponding treatment.
Is every white mark on my skin a vitiligo?
No. Not every white mark on the skin is vitiligo. The dermatologist is competent to confirm whether you suffer from vitiligo or some other skin disease.
Is vitiligo painful?
No, vitiligo is not painful, but the areas where there is discoloration on the skin are more sensitive and a painful sunburn can occur.
Can vitiligo be transmitted?
No vitiligo can not be transmitted.
Are people with vitiligo more likely to get sunburned?
Yes, the truth is that at the points of damage, the lack of melanin does not prevent the sun's rays from penetrating into a deeper layer of the skin, thus making people with vitiligo more vulnerable to the dangers of solar radiation.