Vitiligo is a dermatological condition in which the skin loses its pigmentation in patches. The severity of the pigmentation loss due to Vitiligo cannot be predicted. It can affect any part of the body. Even the hairs and the inner part of the mouth are not spared by this condition. Medically speaking, the color of the skin is determined by the amount of melanin that is produced by melanocytes. In Vitiligo, these melanocytes stop producing melanin resulting in the skin at the affected area losing its pigmentation.
People with any type of skin can be affected with Vitiligo but can be observed more in dark-skinned people. Vitiligo is harmless and poses no threat to the overall health of the affected individual; however, it can cause immense stress with the way the skin looks, especially if the exposed part of the body like the face or neck gets affected. With treatment, however, the normal skin color may be restored but it does not stop it from recurring any time in the future.
Causes
As stated, Vitiligo occurs when melanocytes stop producing melanin which is the pigment that gives the skin its color. The affected area becomes lighter than the rest of the skin which gives it a weird appearance.
The reason as to why the melanocytes malfunction is not known to physicians but some believe that it may be due to:
An immune system dysfunction where the melanocytes get destroyed mistakenly
Having a family history where a direct relative has this condition
Excessive exposure to sun or other harmful chemicals can result in damage to the melanocytes causing Vitiligo
Symptoms
The primary symptom of vitiligo is the appearance of patches on skin surface that are lighter than the rest of the skin. Normally, the face and other areas like the hands and feet that are exposed to the sun are the first places where pigmentation changes are seen.
Other symptoms include graying of hair on the scalp, eyelashes, and beard. Loss of tissue within the mouth and nose is also seen in people with Vitiligo. There will also be change of color of the retina. Even though Vitiligo can develop at any age but in majority of the cases it is seen in people below the age of 20.
How is Hair Loss Diagnosed?
For a definitive diagnosis of the cause of the Hair Loss, the physician will first take a detailed history of the patient, including personal and family history. Once history taking is done then certain investigative tests will be ordered to come to the bottom of the cause of the Hair Loss. These tests include: Pull Test: This test involves pulling of a few strands of hair forcefully to check whether any hairs come out of their groove. This gives the physician an idea of whether the quality of hair of the patient is healthy and strong. Skin Lesion KOH Test: This test involves scraping some samples from the scalp of the patient to observe the hair roots. This gives the physician an idea as to whether there is an infection responsible for Hair Loss. Blood Test: These are done to identify any underlying medical condition like a thyroid disorder that may be responsible for Hair Loss in the patient. Microscopy: This is done to observe the hair shaft and see whether there is any abnormality there that may be causing the Hair Loss.
Treatment
There are a variety of treatment options available to restore the skin color. The primary mode of treatments includes medications, surgery, and NBUVB phototherapy treatments. These have provided very encouraging results for people with vitiligo. To begin with, the patient can use makeup to cover the vitiligo spots. If these are ineffective then a consultation with a dermatologist is recommended.
Depending on the severity of the condition, the physician will determine future course of action for treatment in the form of medications, surgery, or NBUVB phototherapy. Dr. Rajeshwari’s Clinic provides the best consultation and treatment plan, and has successfully treated many patients with vitiligo with treatments as mentioned above with minimal to no side effects.
Can Hair Loss be Prevented?
Hair Loss caused due to the normal process of aging cannot be prevented. However, steps can be taken to prevent loss and damage by avoiding chemical use in the hair like hair color and hair dyes. It is also recommended not to use hair dryers for long periods of time as it literally pulls the hair out from their shafts thereby damaging it. This makes the hair weak and brittle.
For healthy hair, it is always best to practice good hair hygiene by shampooing it regularly. Additionally, eating a diet rich in proteins, vitamin B, and iron is also quite effective in preventing hair loss. Keeping the thyroid levels under control and seeking immediate levels if diagnosed with an underactive or overactive thyroid is also recommended to prevent Hair Loss.
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Home >> Skin Care >> Clinical Dermatology >> Vitiligo
Vitiligo
Introduction
Vitiligo is a dermatological condition in which the skin loses its pigmentation in patches. The severity of the pigmentation loss due to Vitiligo cannot be predicted. It can affect any part of the body. Even the hairs and the inner part of the mouth are not spared by this condition. Medically speaking, the color of the skin is determined by the amount of melanin that is produced by melanocytes. In Vitiligo, these melanocytes stop producing melanin resulting in the skin at the affected area losing its pigmentation.
People with any type of skin can be affected with Vitiligo but can be observed more in dark-skinned people. Vitiligo is harmless and poses no threat to the overall health of the affected individual; however, it can cause immense stress with the way the skin looks, especially if the exposed part of the body like the face or neck gets affected. With treatment, however, the normal skin color may be restored but it does not stop it from recurring any time in the future.
Causes
As stated, Vitiligo occurs when melanocytes stop producing melanin which is the pigment that gives the skin its color. The affected area becomes lighter than the rest of the skin which gives it a weird appearance.
The reason as to why the melanocytes malfunction is not known to physicians but some believe that it may be due to:
An immune system dysfunction where the melanocytes get destroyed mistakenly
Having a family history where a direct relative has this condition
Excessive exposure to sun or other harmful chemicals can result in damage to the melanocytes causing Vitiligo
Symptoms
The primary symptom of vitiligo is the appearance of patches on skin surface that are lighter than the rest of the skin. Normally, the face and other areas like the hands and feet that are exposed to the sun are the first places where pigmentation changes are seen.
Other symptoms include graying of hair on the scalp, eyelashes, and beard. Loss of tissue within the mouth and nose is also seen in people with Vitiligo. There will also be change of color of the retina. Even though Vitiligo can develop at any age but in majority of the cases it is seen in people below the age of 20.
Treatment
There are a variety of treatment options available to restore the skin color. The primary mode of treatments includes medications, surgery, and NBUVB phototherapy treatments. These have provided very encouraging results for people with vitiligo. To begin with, the patient can use makeup to cover the vitiligo spots. If these are ineffective then a consultation with a dermatologist is recommended.
Depending on the severity of the condition, the physician will determine future course of action for treatment in the form of medications, surgery, or NBUVB phototherapy. Dr. Rajeshwari’s Clinic provides the best consultation and treatment plan, and has successfully treated many patients with vitiligo with treatments as mentioned above with minimal to no side effects.
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