Vitiligo

There is no cure for vitiligo. Treatment involves stopping the progression of the pigment loss and achieving re-pigmentation. Skin injury, including sunburn and cuts, can trigger a new patch of vitiligo to form. People of any skin color can develop vitiligo. However, it may be Whether you’re in the early stages of vitiligo or have had this skin condition for a while, it’s important to know about all the treatment options available. Talk with a dermatologist to help determine which treatment option may work best for you. Creams and ointments for vitiligo are available by prescription only. They may include: • Corticosteroids: • Calcineurin inhibitors: These include pimecrolimus cream and tacrolimus ointment. They are often used on the eyelids, face, neck, armpits, or groin, as these areas may be more prone to side effects from topical corticosteroids. They can be used for a longer time than corticosteroids and do not cause skin atrophy. • Calcipotriene: This medication • Ruxolitinib (Opzelura) cream: Ruxolitinib (Opzelura) is a Janus kinase inhibitor (JAK inhibitor) that was Corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors work by decreasing inflammation in the skin. This may reduce the spread of pigmentation loss. It can take several months for topical treatments to work. Dermatologists can prescribe these treatments for both adults and children with vitiligo. Corticosteroid creams can have side effects, especially when used for long periods of time. For that reason, they are on...

Causes Vitiligo belongs to a group of conditions known as autoimmune diseases. These are ones in which the body's immune system attacks its own tissue or cells—in this case, the melanocytes (pigment cells that give skin its color). There is no clear-cut reason why the melanocytes die, but genetics are thought to play a role. • It is believed that 2 million people in the United States have vitiligo. • Vitiligo can start at any age, but about half of those who have it develop it before the age of 20, and about 95% before age 40. • Approximately 20% of vitiligo patients have a family member with the same condition. However, only 5% to 7% of children will get vitiligo even if a parent has it. Types The location and prevalence of symptoms vary, depending on which type of vitiligo you have. Types include: • Generalized: Patches are of no specific size and can appear anywhere on the body. • Acrofacial: Patches occur mostly on the fingers, toes, and face. • Mucosal: Patches are found around mucous membranes and lips or • Universal: This is a rare manifestation in which patches cover most of the body. • Focal: More likely in children, patches due to this type occur in a small area. For some patients, vitiligo is localized to only a few areas. Others have vitiligo that is more progressive and may develop more patches over time. While new patches of vitiligo are still appearing, the condition is "active." For many patients, new spots stop developing after a certain amount of time (fr...

Overview Vitiligo (vit-ih-LIE-go) is a disease that causes loss of skin color in patches. The discolored areas usually get bigger with time. The condition can affect the skin on any part of the body. It can also affect hair and the inside of the mouth. Normally, the color of hair and skin is determined by melanin. Vitiligo occurs when cells that produce melanin die or stop functioning. Vitiligo affects people of all skin types, but it may be more noticeable in people with brown or Black skin. The condition is not life-threatening or contagious. It can be stressful or make you feel bad about yourself. Symptoms Vitiligo signs include: • Patchy loss of skin color, which usually first appears on the hands, face, and areas around body openings and the genitals • Premature whitening or graying of the hair on your scalp, eyelashes, eyebrows or beard • Loss of color in the tissues that line the inside of the mouth and nose (mucous membranes) Vitiligo can start at any age, but usually appears before age 30. Depending on the type of vitiligo you have, it may affect: • Nearly all skin surfaces. With this type, called universal vitiligo, the discoloration affects nearly all skin surfaces. • Many parts of the body. With this most common type, called generalized vitiligo, the discolored patches often progress similarly on corresponding body parts (symmetrically). • Only one side or part of the body. This type, called segmental vitiligo, tends to occur at a younger age, progress for a ye...

Vitiligo can cause hair to lose color, but it doesn't cause hair loss. Instead, vitiligo often occurs alongside another inflammatory skin condition called alopecia areata. Roughly 15%–25% of people with vitiligo also have another autoimmune condition. Some autoimmune diseases appear together more than others. Vitiligo and alopecia areata share the same immune system pathways and are linked to an increased prevalence of What Causes Vitiligo Hair? While it's primarily a chronic autoimmune disorder, several factors can lead to hair discoloration from vitiligo. Melanin of the hair or skin can be destroyed as a result of: What It Looks Like Patches of skin discolored from vitiligo are often pale or milky white and usually have well-defined edges or borders. In some cases, these patches can also appear red or inflamed. When hair is affected, it loses pigment in certain sections, and you may see a discolored patch of skin beneath the roots of your hair. Summary Vitiligo can change your appearance but rarely causes serious disease or complications. Lack of color in the skin or hair is the most common symptom. Other conditions that cause hair loss can occur alongside vitiligo, but vitiligo itself is not usually the cause. If you notice light patches of skin or hair, talk to your healthcare provider about ruling out other conditions that can A Word From Verywell Some people embrace vitiligo hair, while others prefer to hide it if they can. Vitiligo is not harmful to your physical he...

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• Patchy or widespread loss of skin color that usually starts appearing on areas that receive sun exposure, such as the hands, arms, feet, face, or folds of the skin (elbows, knees, or groin) • Premature whitening of the hair on your head, eyelashes, eyebrows, or face • Loss of color on the inside of your mouth or nose ( • Changes in or loss of pigmentation in your eye color • Pain, itching, or discomfort on the areas of the skin where the white or light patches appear • Non-segmental vitiligo: This is the most common type of vitiligo. The white patches are often symmetrical, meaning that they appear on both sides of the body. • Segmental vitiligo: This less-common type of vitiligo only affects one segment (area) of the skin, and it tends to stop growing once the initial patch has appeared. Vitiligo can start developing at any stage of life, but most people will notice it before the age of 30. Keep in mind that skin depigmentation can be caused by other conditions and might not be vitiligo. Physical Examination A physical examination to diagnose vitiligo starts in your doctor's office. First, they will ask you about your symptoms and take your medical history. Next, they will do a physical exam of your skin. • Symptom history: You will be asked when it was that you first noticed the potential vitiligo patches on your skin, if the patches have grown, and if they have spread to different areas. Depending on your age, you might also be asked if your hair turned gray before ag...

Generalized vitiligo is more common and usually affects larger areas of the skin in a symmetrical pattern, like both knees or both hands. Segmental vitiligo is rarer than the other type and occurs on only one side of the body. It commonly begins at an earlier age and continues to progress for a couple of years before stopping. How Does Vitiligo Affect Children? Living with vitiligo can be challenging, especially in childhood and adolescence. It is a lifelong process that can alter a child’s appearance. Those living with vitiligo have an increased risk of depression, anxiety, social isolation, and decreased self-esteem. Research has also shown that it impacts the emotions and quality of life of caregivers of children with vitiligo. Approximately 12% to 38% of people with vitiligo have some hearing loss, but most are unaware that they have it. Vision and the ability to produce tears can also be affected. If a child’s dermatologist suspects any of these problems, referrals will be made to the right specialists. This may include an Diagnosis In children, a diagnosis of vitiligo requires a thorough history and physical exam, during which the doctor will ask questions about family medical history and look at the skin. If there are concerns for vitiligo, the pediatrician or family medicine doctor will likely send the child to a dermatologist, which is a doctor who specializes in skin conditions. Doctors might use a device called a Wood’s lamp, which is a black light used in diffe...

• Antioxidants: Antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, are naturally occurring compounds that combat oxidative stress and prevent cell damage. Antioxidant-rich foods include fruits (especially berries), green leafy vegetables (such as kale), nuts, chocolate, herbs, and spices. • Phytochemicals: Phytochemicals, such as beta-carotene, are compounds found in plants that may have a protective effect against cell damage. Brightly colored fruits and vegetables, such as carrots, broccoli, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, and spinach, are rich in phytochemicals. • Omega-3 fatty acids: Oily fish (such as salmon), nuts, seeds, and other foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids may help to boost your immune function and promote cell repair. • Foods that contain a high amount of vitamin D include oily fish, egg yolks, and fortified dairy products such as milk and yogurt. • High-fat foods: High-fat foods may play a role in the development or worsening of vitiligo symptoms. In one 2019 study, a higher total Limit your intake of fried foods, processed meat products, full-fat cheese, and butter. • Inflammation-promoting foods: Because vitiligo is possibly related to the body’s inflammatory processes, many people with vitiligo steer clear of foods that can prompt an Examples include processed snacks, processed meat, fried foods, white bread, alcohol, and sugary desserts. • Foods that contain gluten: A couple of case reports indicate that eliminating foods containing gluten (such as breads and past...