Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease that causes areas of skin to lose color (depigmentation), resulting in spots and irregular patches of lighter skin—whether a few spots or widespread color loss. People of any skin color can develop vitiligo.
If you have vitiligo, your immune system attacks cells in your body called melanocytes, those cells that make pigment. If the body continues to attack melanocytes, the patches will grow, and new spots and patches can appear in other areas.
There are several types of vitiligo. The most common, non-segmental vitiligo, tends to spread slowly with new patches developing off and on throughout a person’s life. Patches tend to appear on both sides of the body like both knees or both hands. Segmental vitiligo is rapid color loss on one side of the body. With localized vitiligo, you develop a few spots or patches that appear in one or a few places on your body. When it causes scattered patches of color loss in different areas of the body, it’s generalized vitiligo. While rare, you lose most of your skin color with universal vitiligo.
What Causes Vitiligo?
Vitiligo is a skin condition that occurs when the cells responsible for producing skin pigment, called melanocytes, die and stop producing melanin. The exact cause of this chronic condition is largely unknown, although it is believed to be related to an immune system disorder that attacks the melanocytes in the skin. Some people also believe that vitiligo can be hereditary and triggered by events such as stress, severe sunburn, or skin trauma. Those with vitiligo may experience increased risks of social or psychological stress, sunburn, eye problems, and hearing loss.
Vitiligo Symptoms
The main symptom of vitiligo is the appearance of light-colored or white patches on any part of the body, including around the eyes. These patches may also be accompanied by the presence of lumps and bumps. Initially, small white spots may appear on areas of the body that are frequently exposed to the sun, such as the face, arms, or legs. Other common signs of vitiligo include patchy loss of skin color, changes or loss of color in the retina, premature whitening or graying of the hair, and color loss in mucous membranes.
- Patchy loss of skin color
- Change or loss of color in the retina
- Premature whitening or graying of the hair
- Color loss in mucous membranes
While there is currently no cure for vitiligo, there are various treatments available to help even out skin tone and restore color. The effectiveness of these treatments varies from person to person and depends on the individual’s specific condition. Treatment plans can consist of a single treatment or multiple treatments, and may need to be adjusted over time based on the type and severity of the condition. Medications, such as anti-inflammatory creams and immune system-modifying drugs, may be prescribed. Therapies like psoralen, light therapy, and depigmentation can also be used. In cases where therapy is not as effective, surgical options such as skin grafting, blister grafting, and micro-pigmentation may be considered alongside therapy to achieve desired results. To discuss the most suitable treatment for an individual, it is recommended to contact Tania Cohen Dermatology
Tania Cohen Dermatology can offer vitiligo treatment that may help restore lost skin color: Vitiligo is a chronic skin condition characterized by the gradual loss of the skin’s natural pigment, causing it to discolor in blotches. This skin pigmentation disorder causes the skin to produce less melanin, which is the pigment responsible for skin, eye, and hair color. The location, rate of spread, and the onset of depigmentation are unpredictable. Unfortunately, there is no cure for vitiligo. Patients with vitiligo can lose pigment on any part of the body, hair, and inside of the mouth. Vitiligo can affect patients of all skin types, but it is more noticeable on darker skin.
Although there is no cure and no health risks associated with vitiligo — aside from the occasional itching — there are several treatment options available to help patients boost their confidence and self-esteem. At Tania Cohen Dermatology, our dermatology providers work with you to determine the best course of treatment, keeping in mind your unique skin-related concerns and end goals.
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