Vitiligo is an autoimmune disorder where patients start developing discolored skin patches on any part of their body. Most people have reported noticing the first white patch on their arms, legs, and face. On rare occasions, patients have also seen spots inside their mouth, nose, and eyes.
The reason behind getting vitiligo is the lack of melanin. The part of the skin which stops producing melanin develops this disorder. In more technical term, the white cells start attacking the melanocytes, the cell which is responsible for producing color in hair and skin. This is the reason premature grey hair is considered to be an early symptom of vitiligo.
Till now 1% of the population has been said to have suffered from vitiligo.
One in every 100 people has developed it. This is the reason why doctors don’t consider it a rare autoimmune disorder anymore. Over time it has become more common and visible.
Symptoms Of Vitiligo
One of the biggest drawbacks of vitiligo is that it can’t be detected beforehand. When the discolored spots start appearing on a person’s skin only then doctors can confirm it.
Despite being heavily researched, this disease has still not been found a preventative test.
Also, there are no fixed symptoms of vitiligo, each case is unique. Whenever you notice one or more discolored patches appearing on your skin, it is best to immediately consult with a dermatologist.
Another common symptom that has been reported by many patients is premature grey hair.
Factors That Cause Vitiligo
Medical researchers are working hard to find an effective cure for vitiligo. In their quest, they have also discovered some factors that contribute towards causing it in an individual. Learning about these instigators is as important as finding the cure.
Inherited Genes:
A person has a high chance of developing vitiligo if a close relative has it. However, doctors have said that this skin disorder skips a generation which means if a parent has it then their child is at lesser risk than their grandchild.
Pre-existing Medical Condition:
Earlier vitiligo was only considered to be a cosmetic problem but now with advanced research, it has been declared an autoimmune disease by the doctors. In some cases, patients have also developed it because of another disease. Diabetes is one common disease that often brings vitiligo with itself.
Sunburn:
Staying in sunlight for a long time is extremely harmful to the skin. Exposed skin is vulnerable to multiple skin disorders including vitiligo. It is always best to apply an adequate amount of sunscreen before heading out and an even better approach is to keep an umbrella with you.
Chemical Reaction:
Being around chemical comes with its own fair share of risks. Touching chemicals without wearing proper gear can prove to be disastrous. Vitiligo can be triggered if tissues in your skin get harmed by a toxic chemical.
Extreme Stress:
One of the main culprits behind increasing vitiligo cases is stress. The extreme emotional reaction can create multiple changes in one’s body. These reactions can be a trigger for anyone at risk of developing vitiligo.
Read this article for the causes of vitiligo.
Who’s At Risk of Developing Vitiligo?
Children and teenagers make up more than half of the population that is affected by vitiligo. While this skin disorder is not painful physically, it does take a mental toll on anyone who’s suffering from it.
There is not one specific race that is more at the target of developing this skin disorder. It affects all people of all ethnicities equally.
However, there is a myth that it is more common in people with darker skin tone, this statement has been debunked by many doctors. The light patches are just more prominent on some skin tones than others.
In the last few years, a lot of campaigns have been organized to educate people about this skin disorder. Earlier patients used to be alienated by society because everyone believed the myth about it being contagious.
Since then every doctor and social worker has worked hard to tell people the truth and make the community more inclusive of everyone.
Go here to learn how vitiligo starts.
Prevention And Cure Of Vitiligo
This skin disorder doesn’t have a 100% effective cure as of now. Since the research regarding vitiligo is never-ending, doctors are hopeful that soon they’ll be able to find a perfect solution.
Till then medical professionals advise parents to keep an eye on their children as half of the patients of this skin disorder are children.
Before 20 is the age where developing this autoimmune disorder is highly possible. After that, with each passing decade, the possibility becomes lower.
Below listed are some of the most common treatments advised by doctors for patients with vitiligo.
Topical Cream:
After analyzing the nature of the vitiligo doctors will recommend ointments and cream that will control the quick spread of the discolored patched. On rare occasions, some people have also complained of the burning sensation in their marks so the ointments will also provide relief to that or prevent that.
Mineral Cream:
Some people have sensitive skin that doesn’t react well to the heavy steroids added in some of the ointments. For them, dermatologists recommend creams that are enriched with natural resources such as vitamins and amino acids.
Sunscreen:
It is a necessity for anyone who has to step out but with people suffering from vitiligo it is nothing short of medicine. It helps with the sensitivity that is caused by this skin disorder. Also, a high SPF sunscreen is one of the best ways to prevent it.
Oral Supplements:
While there is no oral supplement that can help eradicate all the discolored marks, in some cases doctors recommend it help with the compromised immune system.
Laser Treatment:
These kinds of treatments come with their own set of risks. This is why doctors don’t recommend it to the majority of the patients especially children, pregnant women, or elderly people. Still, for those who want to get rid of these white marks at any cost go for these treatments, particularly phototherapy, it has been showing the most successful results.
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