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Vitiligo:
a
short
introduction.
What
is vitiligo?
Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease that leads to
the destruction of
melanocytes (the cells that produce the pigment in
the skin). This
results in white patches of skin. The disease
occurs in all races and
around 1% of the population is affected.
Symptoms
of
vitiligo
With the destruction of the melanocytes
irregularly shaped depigmented
patches appear on the skin. Any part of the skin
may be affected. The
most common areas are the face, hands, genitalia,
the armpits and the
groin. Vitiligo on the scalp may lead to
depigmentation of the hair
(see picture below). Injury to the skin (such as
superficial wounds)
can trigger new vitiligo lesions.
Diagnosis
of
vitiligo
In most cases of vitiligo the dermatologist is
able to diagnose
vitiligo immediately on the base of the
characteristic depigmented
patches. People with vitiligo have a greater risk
of having or
developing other autoimmune diseases such as
diabetes and thyroid
disease. Laboratory tests to confirm or exclude
these diseases can be
performed.
Treatment
Topical steroid cream and topical calcineurin
inhibitors may in some
cases reverse the vitiligo proces.This treatment
is mainly effective in
the early stages of vitiligo. UVB and PUVA
phototherapy can also be
helpful, particularly when many areas of the skin
are affected.
Transplantation of one's own pigmented skin into
vitiligo areas and
transplantation of the patient's own melanocytes
that are grown in the
laboratory are relatively new and promising
treatment options.
Protection
of the
skin
Because depigmented skin can not tan when exposed
to the sun the skin
needs extra protection against sunburn. Sunburn in
areas of normal skin
can induce new vitiligo lesions. Other types of
damage to the skin can
also lead to spreading of vitiligo, therefore
protection against
mechanical injury is important.
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