What is it about ?
Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease characterized by the destruction of pigment cells in the skin and hair. In an autoimmune disease, the immune system views cells in its own body as foreign cells and produces antibodies that attack them.
As a result of this destruction of pigment cells, milky, depigmented patches of skin form all over the body, which slowly spread. People with vitiligo have a higher risk of developing other autoimmune diseases, especially of the thyroid.
Damaged skin or sunburn can trigger vitiligo. Pregnancy, mental stress and illness are sometimes also associated with the onset of vitiligo.
Vitiligo causes little physical suffering. Many, however, experience cosmetic discomfort from the skin patches and find it difficult to cope with the condition psychosocial.
What is its frequency?
Vitiligo affects 5 to 20 in 1,000 people. It affects both men and women. When the disease first appears, 1 in 2 people are under the age of 20. Out of 100 people with vitiligo, 10 to 50 have close relatives with the same skin condition.
How to recognize it?
Vitiligo spots usually appear symmetrically on the limbs. On the breast, sharply defined depigmented spots are often visible around the navel and nipples; in the face, most often around the mouth and eyes. Usually the spots gradually get larger. The spots are unlikely to repigment spontaneously, but it sometimes happens on areas of skin exposed to the sun.
Segmental vitiligo is a special form of vitiligo. The spots then remain limited to one half of the body and generally also to one side of the body. The spots on the skin stop spreading soon after they appear and don’t change much.
How is the diagnosis made?
Appearance is often enough to recognize vitiligo. Other skin conditions associated with depigmentation, such as pytiriasis versicolor and lichen sclerosus, can sometimes be mistaken for vitiligo.
If in doubt, a skin biopsy can confirm the diagnosis. Your doctor will eventually do a blood test, especially if there are signs of other autoimmune diseases.
What can you do ?
Depigmented spots burn very easily in the sun. So be sure to apply sunscreen (factor 30 or more) or wear clothes that protect your skin. In addition, vitiligo spots are less noticeable when healthy skin does not tan. Certain makeup techniques can help camouflage depigmented spots.
What can your doctor do?
There is no treatment that can cure vitiligo. However, there are various treatment options, the chances of success depending on the person, the type of vitiligo and its extent. Discuss it with a skin specialist (dermatologist). It may be appropriate to refer you to a psychologist if you need emotional support.
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