Vitiligo: how it appears and how to treat it

Vitiligo is an autoimmune skin disease. It becomes visible because of a loss of melanin, the pigment that gives color to the skin, hair and eyes. The condition appears as depigmented patches on the skin, which can vary in size and shape. Vitiligo can affect any part of the body, but the depigmented patches generally appear more often in certain specific areas.

The parts of the body most affected by vitiligo

There is no difference between men and women with vitiligo. There are areas of the body that statistically are affected more often, although depigmentation can appear anywhere.

• The face, especially around the mouth and eyes
• The hands and feet
• The limbs, both upper and lower
• The genital area
• The armpits and groin
• The area around the navel
• Skin folds, such as those of the neck and knees.

The patches without melanin, strikingly white, can appear on any part of the body, even in less common areas. In addition, the severity and spread of the disease can vary from person to person, and the shape and size of the depigmented patches can also be very different.

The causes

The causes of vitiligo are not yet entirely clear, but the disease is believed to be linked to an alteration of the immune system that leads to the destruction of melanocytes. These are the cells responsible for producing melanin. Possible risk factors include heredity, stress, exposure to UV rays and the use of certain medications.

Prevention

There is currently no specific prevention for vitiligo, because the causes of the disease are not yet fully understood. However, there are some measures that can help keep the skin healthy and reduce the risk of developing vitiligo. First of all, it is important to protect the skin from UV rays, which can damage melanocytes and increase the risk of developing vitiligo. This means avoiding prolonged sun exposure, especially during peak hours, and using sunscreen with a high protection factor. It is also important to maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle, including a healthy and varied diet, regular exercise and stress management.

The age at which the disease appears

Vitiligo can appear at any age, but it generally develops between the ages of 20 and 30. In some cases, however, the disease can appear as early as childhood or in older age. The course of vitiligo varies from person to person and depends on the severity of the disease. In some cases, the depigmented patches can remain stable for years, while in others they can spread and merge, leading to loss of pigmentation over large areas of the skin.

How it is diagnosed

To diagnose vitiligo, the doctor may perform a series of tests, including a physical examination of the skin, a skin biopsy and an evaluation of the immune system. In some cases, blood and urine tests may also be needed to rule out other related conditions.

How to treat vitiligo

There is no definitive cure for vitiligo, but there are several treatments that can help reduce the symptoms of the disease. These include phototherapy, which consists of exposing the skin to UVB radiation, and the use of medications that stimulate the production of melanin. In some cases, surgery may be necessary. For this, you can also turn to Rome American Hospital of the NefroCenter Group which has, among its specialists, experts in the diagnosis and treatment of the condition.

Available treatments

If vitiligo has already developed, there are several treatment options that can help reduce the symptoms of the disease and improve the appearance of the skin.

• Phototherapy. The treatment involves exposing the skin to UVB radiation, which can stimulate the production of melanin and reduce the appearance of depigmented patches.
• Drug therapy. There are some medications that can help restore melanin production and reduce the appearance of depigmented patches. These medications can be applied directly to the skin or taken orally.
• Surgery. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the depigmented patches or to transplant healthy melanocytes onto the skin. The dermatology department of Rome American Hospital, with its highly skilled professionals, is able to perform procedures to reduce and remove depigmented patches.
• Cosmetic treatments. There are also various cosmetic products, such as corrective makeup and hair dyes, that can help cover the depigmented patches and improve the appearance of the skin. These are, of course, not medical treatments. Nor do they guarantee a definitive solution.

Natural remedies

There are also natural remedies that can help reduce the symptoms of vitiligo, such as the use of essential oils, vitamin D and certain medicinal herbs. However, it is important to consult your doctor before using any natural remedy for vitiligo.

The psychological distress of people with vitiligo

Vitiligo can have a significant impact on the quality of life of those affected, and for this reason it can be helpful to turn to psychological support to manage the stress and anxiety associated with the disease. Vitiligo, in fact, can have a significant impact on the mental health and psychological well-being of the people who have it. The depigmented patches on the skin can be visible and can cause embarrassment, anxiety and depression. The disease can also cause social discrimination, ostracism and stigmatization. People with vitiligo may have low self-esteem, anxiety and depression, which can lead to social isolation if the patches are very noticeable. In the most serious cases it could cause eating disorders.

Medications that can increase the risk

Some medications can increase the risk of developing vitiligo or of worsening symptoms if the disease is already present. These medications include:

• Antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin and quinoline
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen
• Antithyroid drugs, used in the treatment of hyperthyroidism
• Antipsychotics, used in the treatment of psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia
• Anticancer drugs, used in the treatment of some types of cancer.

However, it is important to stress that not all patients who take these medications develop vitiligo, and that the disease can also develop in the absence of known risk factors.