Stigma surrounding vitiligo leads people to experience mental health effects like low mood, self-esteem issues, and social anxiety. Key things you need to know about this skin condition characterised by the loss of pigment.
Winne Harlow, Michael Jackson and countless other celebrities are known not only for their exemplary career but also for the unique skin condition that identifies them before their talent. It’s a skin condition that we have all grown up seeing, either with a family member or someone in the neighbourhood, and has its own myths and facts attached to it.
If you guessed vitiligo, then you’re on the right track.
Vitiligo is a long-term skin condition characterised by the loss of pigment in certain areas of the skin, resulting in white patches. This occurs because the melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing skin pigment (melanin), are destroyed or stop functioning. The exact cause of vitiligo is not fully understood, but it is believed to be an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system attacks and destroys these pigment-producing cells. This is also why it can express itself at any stage in one’s life, resulting in the term “acquired vitiligo”.
Vitiligo can affect people of any age, gender, or ethnicity, although it may be more noticeable in individuals with darker skin. The condition is not contagious or life-threatening, but it can have significant psychological and social impacts on those who have it.
Types of vitiligo
Generalised vitiligo: This is the most common type where depigmentation occurs symmetrically on both sides of the body, often affecting the hands, face, and other areas.
Segmental vitiligo: Segmental vitiligo usually occurs in one segment or region of the body, rather than symmetrically. It tends to progress more rapidly than generalised vitiligo.
Focal vitiligo: In this type, only a few scattered patches of depigmentation are present. It is often considered a milder form of vitiligo.
Mucosal vitiligo: This type affects the mucous membranes, such as the lips, inside the mouth, and genital areas.
Universal vitiligo: Universal vitiligo involves near-total or total loss of skin colour across the body, leaving very little pigmented skin.
Acral vitiligo: This type primarily affects the extremities, such as the hands and feet. A type of acral vitiligo is known as lip tip vitiligo, which is seen on fingertips. This has a poor prognosis.
Trichrome vitiligo: Trichrome vitiligo is characterised by the presence of three distinct zones of colour: normally pigmented skin, depigmented skin, and hyperpigmented skin. These types can sometimes overlap or present in combination.
It’s essential to consult with a dermatologist for accurate diagnosis and treatment. In addition, those who develop vitiligo in their childhood have a bad prognosis for treatment.
Common features of vitiligo
White patches on the skin, which can appear anywhere but are more commonly found on the face, hands, arms, feet, and around body openings such as the eyes and mouth.
Premature greying of the hair on the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, or beard.
Loss of colour in the tissues inside the mouth and nose (mucous membranes).
It’s important to know that not all skin depigmentation disorders are vitiligo. For instance, piebaldism is associated with white patches and the characteristic white lock of hair. Another condition that can be confused with vitiligo is leucoderma. Those working with irritable chemicals may see the development of white patches. However, those would be isolated and singular or multiple, depending on the exposure to the external source. In vitiligo, the depigmentation is more symmetrical and even, not needing an external factor to result in a flare-up.Treatment options aim to restore colour to the affected skin or, in some cases, to even out skin tone by depigmenting unaffected areas. These treatments include topical corticosteroids, phototherapy, skin grafting, and, in some cases, depigmentation therapy for extensive cases. However, responses to treatment can vary widely among individuals. One of the most promising treatments has been Lukoskin Ointment. A research product of DRDO, it is curated using potent herbs such as Kapikacchu, Aloe Vera, Jasmine, Bal Jadi, and Chameli. It is helpful in the management of skin conditions and in promoting melanin synthesis.
Five important things to know about vitiligo
Vitiligo does not increase the risk of skin cancer: Cancer risk is a common misconception. In fact, a study spanning 16 years showed that vitiligo patients had a reduced risk of developing skin cancer, especially basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).
Vitiligo is linked with your mental health: Due to the stigmatising nature of the autoimmune condition, people who show signs of vitiligo tend to experience mental health effects like low mood, self-esteem issues, social anxiety, withdrawal, and embarrassment. All of these emotional dysregulations affect one’s personal and professional life.
Vitiligo cannot be cured: No drug can stop the loss of melanocytes so there is no cure for vitiligo. But there are ways to try to get some pigment colour back.
Corticosteroid creams on the affected skin might return the colour. However, this is most effective when the vitiligo is still in its early stages and it can take months before you see a significant change
Home remedies include ginkgo biloba paste, mixture of lemon extract and sweet basil, a mixture of turmeric and mustard oil
Treatment options such as photosensitising agents in combination with phototherapy, the association of oral Phlebodium aureum with phototherapies as well as oral G. biloba in monotherapy showed greater scientific evidence as therapeutic options.
Vitiligo is not contagious: This is by far the most important piece of information on vitiligo that everyone should know. In a country full of quacks, the misconception that vitiligo is contagious is damaging and harmful to society. It leads to ostracisation of people, which in turn leads them to find a “cure”, their health be damned. Vitiligo is a genetic condition and is an autoimmune disorder. It is expressed in one’s genes and thus you cannot get it from anyone.
Diet has a role to play in vitiligo: No research has shown a credible link, but anecdotal evidence suggests “problem” foods such as alcohol, blueberries, coffee, wheat products, tomatoes, and red meats can worsen the condition. Vitamins such as B12, C, D, Beta Carotene, amino acids, and enzymes apparently lessen the discolouration. As with any skin condition, the earlier you show it to the doctor, the easier it is to treat. So if you have a family history of vitiligo and/or you see spots (back of your hands, on your face, between fingers or toes), don’t delay treatment. Your skin will thank you
"Disclaimer: This article is authored by Dr. Deepali Bhardwaj and was originally published on ThePrint.in as Dr Bhardwaj is a Columnist with them. It has been reproduced here for Pateint information only."
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