What is Vitiligo Understanding the condition and its effects

1. What is Vitiligo – Understanding the condition and its effects federalhealth.net/what-is-vitiligo-understanding-the-condition-and-its-effects October 19, 2021 Vitiligo is a skin disease that affects approximately 1% of our society. What are the consequences for our health? Can Vitiligo Be Cured? Why do some people have vitiligo? Vitiligo ( vitiligo ) is a disease, which occurs in the course of hypopigmentation, which is to reduce the production of melanin – the dye in our body. In people suffering from vitiligo, the first symptoms in the form of characteristic hypopigmentation spots appear between the ages of 10 and 30. Much less often, however, is congenital generalized vitiligo, i.e. albinism. In this genetic disease, melanin deficiencies are present on the entire surface of the skin, including the hair, and sometimes in the eyes, which makes them appear red. Where does vitiligo come from? The essence of vitiligo is a significant reduction in the concentration of melanin in a given area of the skin, resulting from a significant reduction in the number of pigment cells that produce it. These cells are called melanocytes. The causes and the exact mechanism of the formation of vitiligo are not fully understood. However, several factors have been identified that undoubtedly contribute to its creation. 1/3

2. These include first of all, genetic, immunological, environmental factors, psychological stress, hyperthyroidism, alopecia areata, pernicious anemia, and innervation disorders. In addition, it has been observed that people with darker complexions are much more susceptible to developing vitiligo. A very important role is assigned to autoimmune mechanisms and the resulting presence of various antibodies. The result of these processes is the destruction of pigment cells, which in turn reduces the concentration of melanin in the skin, which in turn results in the formation of vitiligo spots. What causes vitiligo? The mechanism of the formation of hypopigmentation spots is not well understood. The most common genetic factors are those related to the immune system, innervation disorders, and oxidative stress, as well as autoimmune processes related to the presence of autoantibodies and lymphocytes directed against melanocytes in the affected areas of the skin. However, regardless of the molecular mechanism of vitiligo, the effect is a decrease in melanin production Vitiligo Symptoms Vitiligo stains can come in all shapes and can also appear anywhere on the body. They are usually located symmetrically, on both sides of the face, neck, limbs, armpits, or knees. Apart from the aesthetic aspects of discolored stains, their hypersensitivity to solar radiation is burdensome and dangerous. Since melanin is responsible for the appearance of a tan and protects our skin from the sun, skin without it becomes extremely exposed to sunburn. What’s more, there is a group of diseases diagnosed more often in people with vitiligo than in others – these are various types of dermatological diseases such as graying hair or alopecia areata, hormonal disorders including hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, Hashimoto’s disease, Addison’s disease, diabetes, and sickle cell anemia. Diagnostics for vitiligo In the event of discoloration of the skin in the form of spots, contact your family doctor or directly to a dermatologist. The doctor diagnoses the changes based on their clinical picture and makes a decision regarding the therapy. Remember that you can choose and book the date of an appointment with a dermatologist without leaving your home. How to treat vitiligo? There are several treatments for vitiligo: 2/3

3. Topical medications – the most common are glucocorticosteroids (GSK), which are immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory. Unfortunately, after stopping their use, frequent recurrences of the disease are observed. An alternative is the immunosuppressive calcineurin inhibitors – tacrolimus and pimecrolimus, which have fewer side effects than glucocorticoids and can be applied to facial lesions. Recently, vitamin D3 derivatives have been introduced into treatment; Phototherapy – irradiating the body with UV rays. We distinguish here the so-called PUVA therapy – a combination of taking systemic compounds sensitizing to light, such as psoralen, with exposure to UVA rays. The second type of vitiligo phototherapy is irradiation with UVB rays with a wavelength of 311 nm. This method of treatment does not require the use of psoralen and is particularly recommended by some specialists for first-line treatment, especially lesions that occupy a large area of the skin; Surgical procedures are the newest methods of treating vitiligo that bring with them high hopes. During the procedure, melanocytes, i.e. cells that produce melanin, are transferred from the site not affected by the disease to discolored spots. Other surgical methods include autologous mini-transplant and transplantation of melanocytes grown under laboratory conditions. There is no effective method of preventing vitiligo. It is important to remember not to expose the skin to the sun and to use creams with a UV filter with a high degree of protection. 3/3