Vitiligo is a disease that affects the pigmentation of the skin in certain areas and appears as patches that are lighter in color than normal.
Vitiligo is the result of the destruction of melanocytes in the epidermis. Melanocytes are cells that make melanin, which is the substance that gives hair and skin its color. The lack of color in these areas characteristic of vitiligo is due to the disappearance of melanocytes.
Light spots on the skin often have a great psychosocial impact on those who suffer from vitiligo.
Vitiligo can lead to complexes, social phobia or even depression.
Its characteristic symptom that become visible are light-colored spots, which are usually symmetrical and start around body openings, mouth, anus, armpits, around the nails, genitals, mammary areolas, and in areas where the bones are prominent, such as elbows and knees. It can also affect the eyes and the mucosa of the nose and mouth, although these locations are much less frequent. Most of the time, vitiligo does not produce any symptoms as such, but some people describe a certain degree of itching on these lesions.
Vitiligo is associated with other diseases such as: diabetes, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, Addison’s disease, asthma, alopecia areata, myasthenia gravis and halo nevus.
The diagnosis of vitiligo is made through a Wood’s light examination. It is done by visualizing the skin with a small lamp that emits ultraviolet light and presents a magnifying glass. It is also advisable to perform a blood test to determine the concentration of thyroid hormones, and glucose to rule out other pathologies associated with vitiligo. Only in rare cases is a biopsy taken from the lesion. It must demonstrate the absence of melanocytes.
Treatment should always be specific for each patient, depending on her type of condition. In the first place is photo protection, either with sun creams or with clothing, to avoid burns that could lead to the formation of more lesions.
Treatment may improve the appearance of the skin, but it does not cure the disease.
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