vitiligo

Vitiligo 

Definition

Vitiligo is a condition in which a loss of cells that give color to the skin (melanocytes) results in smooth, white patches in the midst of normally pigmented skin.

Description

Vitiligo is a common, often inherited disorder characterized by areas of well-defined, milky white skin. People with vitiligo may have eye abnormalities and also have a higher incidence of thyroid disease, diabetes mellitus, and pernicious anemia. Vitiligo affects about 1-2% of the world's population. It is more easily observed in sun-exposed areas of the body and in darker skin types, but it affects any area of the body and all races. Vitiligo seems to affect men and women equally, although women more frequently seek treatment for the disorder.

Vitiligo may appear as one or two well-defined white patches or it may appear over large portions of the body. Typical sites for generalized vitiligo are areas surrounding body openings, bony areas, fingers, and toes. It can begin at any age but about 50% of the time it starts before the age of 20.

Causes and symptoms

Vitiligo is a disorder with complex causes. People with vitiligo seem to inherit a genetic predisposition for the disorder, and the appearance of disorder can be brought on by a variety of precipitating causes. Many people report that their vitiligo first appeared following a traumatic or stressful event, such as an accident, job loss, death of a family member, severe sunburn, or serious illness. There are at least three theories about the underlying mechanism of vitiligo. One theory says nerve endings in the skin release a chemical that is toxic to the melanocytes. A second theory states that the melanocytes simply self-destruct. The third explanation is that vitiligo is a type of autoimmune disease in which the immune system targets the body's own cells and tissues.

The primary symptom of vitiligo is the loss of skin color. Hair growing from the affected skin areas also lacks color. In addition, people with vitiligo may have pigment abnormalities of the retina or iris of the eyes. A minority of patients also may have inflammation of the retina or iris, but vision is not usually impaired.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of vitiligo is usually made by observation. Progressive, white areas found at typical sites point to a diagnosis of vitiligo. If the diagnosis is not certain, the doctor will test for other conditions which can mimic vitiligo, such as chemical leukoderma or systemic lupus erythematosus. If the tests rule out other conditions, vitiligo is confirmed.

Key terms

Autoimmune disease — A condition in which something triggers the immune system to react against and attack the body's own tissues.

Autologous transplantation — A procedure wherein the person donates blood or tissue to themselves.

Iris — The colored part of the eye.

Pernicious anemia — A disease in which red blood cells are abnormally formed due to the body's inability to absorb vitamin B₁₂.

Retina — The innermost layer of the eye, it contains the rods and cones, specialized light-sensitive cells.

Treatment

Vitiligo cannot be cured, but it can be managed. Cosmetics can be used to improve the appearance of the white areas not covered by clothing. Sunscreens prevent burning of the affected areas and also prevent the normal skin around the patches from becoming darker. Skin creams and oral medications are available for severe cases, but they have side effects that may make them undesirable. Autologous transplantation of skin is an option for those who are severely affected. Bleaching or depigmentation of the normal skin is another option.

In addition to treating the skin, attention should be paid to the psychological well-being of the individual. Extreme cases of vitiligo can be unattractive and may affect a person's outlook and social interactions.

Prognosis

The condition is usually gradually progressive. Sometimes the patches grow rapidly over a short period, and then the condition remains stable for many years.

Prevention

No measures are currently known to prevent vitiligo.

Resources

Organizations

Frontier's International Vitiligo Foundation. 4 Rozina Court, Owings Mills, MD 21117. (301) 594-0958.

National Foundation for Vitiligo and Pigment Disorders. 9032 South Normandy Drive, Centerville, OH 45459. (513) 885-5739.

National Vitiligo Foundation. P.O. Box 6337, Tyler, TX 75703. (903) 531-9767. 〈73071.33@compuserve.com〉.

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vitiligo /vit·i·li·go/ (vit″ĭ-li´go) a usually progressive, chronic pigmentary anomaly of the skin manifested by depigmented white patches that may be surrounded by a hyperpigmented border.vitilig´inous

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vit·i·li·go (vtl-g, -g)

n. pl. vit·i·li·gos or vit·i·lig·i·nes (vtl-j-nz)

See leukoderma.

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vitiligo

[vit′ilē′gō, -ī′gō]

Etymology: L, vitium, blemish

a benign acquired skin disease of unknown cause, consisting of irregular patches of various sizes totally lacking in pigment and often having hyperpigmented borders. The hypopigmented area is caused by loss of melanocytes. Exposed areas of skin are most often affected. Treatment using 8-methoxypsoralen requires extreme care and carefully regulated sun exposure. Some success has been achieved with the use of narrowband ultraviolet light and topical application of protopic. Waterproof, sun-protective cosmetics are often used to cover the patches. Compare albinism, piebald. vitiliginous, adj.

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vitiligo (vit´ilē´gō, vit´ilī´gō),

n a skin condition characterized by spotty areas of depigmentation.

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vitiligo

a condition of the skin in which destruction of melanocytes in small or large circumscribed areas results in patches of depigmentation, often having a hyperpigmented border, and often enlarging slowly. The condition is common in horses and cattle, often occurring after injury or surgery. Called also 'snowflakes', pinky syndrome. See also achromotrichia, Arabian fading syndrome, freeze branding.

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vitiligo 

A disease of the skin characterized by areas of depigmentation of various sizes and shapes. In the eye, it can be seen in the choroid or iris. It is often associated with syphilis or tuberculosis and forms part of the Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome. See poliosis.

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vitiligo

Dermatology An acquired condition characterized by patchy depigmentation in the face, elbows, knees, hands, feet, and genitalia, often at sites of trauma and pressure, which may appear at any age; there is an ↑ incidence in some families; autoimmunity may be a factor, as there is selective loss of melanocytes in the involved area. See Melanocyte.

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Patient discussion about vitiligo.

Q. My boy has diabetes. Recently he was diagnosed with vitiligo. What is it and what can be the reason for this? My boy has diabetes. recently he was diagnosed with vitiligo. Our doctor said that he hopes it not a polyglandular autoimmune syndrome. what is vitiligo and what does this big phrase (polyglandular autoimmune syndrome) mean?

A. Your boy suffers from two autoimmune diseases. there is a syndrome named polyglandular autoimmune syndrome which is when some one has several autoimmune diseases. Only time will tell if your boy has this syndrome, but you can ask from your GP to take test to check it.
Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease of the skin and as most of autoimmune diseases its at least partially genetic. (My mom has vitiligo on her back and legs, and so am I).

Q. Is Vitiligo caused due to any specific diet? Some people say that vitiligo is caused when we eat fish/chicken and curd together is it true??

A. Vitiligo (vit-ill-EYE-go) is a pigmentation disorder in which melanocytes (the cells that make pigment) in the skin are destroyed. As a result, white patches appear on the skin in different parts of the body. Similar patches also appear on both the mucous membranes (tissues that line the inside of the mouth and nose), and the retina (inner layer of the eyeball). The hair that grows on areas affected by vitiligo sometimes turns white. There is strong evidence that people with vitiligo inherit a group of three genes that make them susceptible to depigmentation. The most widely accepted view is that the depigmentation occurs because vitiligo is an autoimmune disease—a disease in which a person's immune system reacts against the body's own organs or tissues.

Q. How to Stop Vitiligo from spreading all over the body? Can any one please tell how to stop Vitiligo from spreading all over the body

A. Normally treatment of vitiligo may take a long time. So patient should be relax and hopeful to treat this skin condition.
While start any treatment one thing is very important that not be depressed and anxious because this is the factor which can increase in vitiligo.
Take care when go out in afternoon.
Maintain a well balance diet plan which you can easily find by any dermatologist.
There are many treatment options are available for vitiligo as listed at http://www.antivitiligo.com/vitiligo-treatment/