VITILIGO

What is vitiligo?

Vitiligo, also known as leukoderma, is a prevalent skin condition in our country characterized by the appearance of white spots or patches on the skin. These patches result from the destruction or weakening of pigment cells in those areas, leading to a lack of pigment production.

It's important to note that vitiligo is non-contagious, meaning it does not spread through touch or by sharing food or other items. However, its visibility is heightened in individuals with wheatish to dark brown skin complexion, making leukoderma more noticeable.

While vitiligo is primarily a loss of color in certain areas of the body, it can have a significant psychological impact on a patient's confidence. It has historically been viewed as a social stigma, but increasing awareness is helping individuals overcome these negative perceptions.

CAUSES

The exact causes of vitiligo remain unknown, with several theories proposed:

• Autoimmune factors.
• Oxidative stress, including an excess of hydrogen peroxide.
• Neurotrophic factors involving the interaction between melanocytes and the nervous system.
• Genetic predisposition or family history.

Triggering or exacerbating factors:

• Stress,
• Traumatic injury
• Burn or sunburns,
• Exposure to Chemicals (chemical leukoderma)- bindi, chandan teeka, rubber chappal.
• Vitiligo patients are predisposed to develop other autoimmune diseases like thyroid disorders (especially hypothyroidism), alopecia areata, diabetes, pernicious anaemia.

How does vitiligo present?

When individuals develop vitiligo, they typically observe white patches or spots (depigmentation) on their skin, which may or may not be accompanied by white hairs. The affected skin maintains its normal texture. Over time, additional white spots may appear and spread to different areas of the body. These patches are often more noticeable in sun-exposed regions such as the hands, feet, arms, legs, face, and lips, although other areas may also be affected. Vitiligo typically manifests in one of three patterns:

• Focal vitiligo refers to depigmentation limited to one or a few specific areas. For instance, if white spots are present solely on the hands and feet, it is termed acral vitiligo; if limited to the face, it's called facial vitiligo; and if both areas are involved, it's termed acrofacial vitiligo. White spots developing inside the mouth, nose, or genitals are referred to as mucosal vitiligo.
• Segmental vitiligo involves depigmented patches on only one side of the body.
• Vitiligo Vulgaris, on the other hand, describes depigmentation occurring on various parts of the body, typically progressing symmetrically on corresponding body parts.