Vitiligo is a pathology that is characterized by discoloration of the epidermis. Light spots appear on the skin, which remain like this forever and do not restore their color. The darker the skin, the more noticeable the effect.
The spots appear in places where melanin, the pigment that gives the skin its color, is destroyed. The exact reason why the skin loses pigment is unknown. A cure that can stop the progression of the disease has also not yet been developed. However, modern medicine believes that this condition can only be considered a cosmetic defect that is not dangerous to health and is not contagious.
Features of vitiligo
This disease:
- is not contagious – it is impossible to get infected by any contact;
- is not life-threatening – all problems are aesthetic;
- is not infectious.
It is definitely not worth being afraid of people with this feature, and if you have it, then your life and health are not threatened. However, it is still necessary to see a doctor and check the basic parameters of the body.
Vitiligo can begin at any age, but about half of patients notice such skin changes between the ages of 10 and 30.
The probability of getting sick is higher in people whose family has already had cases of vitiligo. Thus, about 20% of patients have a blood relative with the same diagnosis.
Causes and main manifestations
At the moment, medicine does not know 100% what the causes of vitiligo are. But there is an understanding of how this process occurs. The color of our skin is responsible for special cells-melanocytes and the amount of melanin in them. When such cells begin to die, areas of the skin are provided.
The factors that trigger this process are still in question. But doctors assume that the following points contribute to this:
- Autoimmune problems. It is assumed that melanin is destroyed by the body’s own defense cells for some reason;
- Genetic factor. Often vitiligo syndrome is observed in the children and grandchildren of those people who suffered from this pathology;
- Serious stress, which can give the body absolutely any failure;
- Strong impact on the skin – for example, contact with serious chemicals or sunburns.
Often it is not possible to establish the cause of the manifestation, but some factors doctors try to at least exclude, so that there are no other problems in the body.
Complications of vitiligo
There are no health-threatening complications associated with vitiligo. However, there may be problems associated with the destruction of melanin in other parts of the body.
Melanin is a high molecular weight pigment that is not only found in the skin, it is also found in the iris, the vascular band of the inner ear and some parts of the brain.
In the ear, it regulates the transmission of auditory signals. If melanocytes in the ear are destroyed, hearing may be impaired. In the eye, a decrease in melanin can lead to depigmentation of the iris or retina. At the same time, outwardly it is imperceptible and is not accompanied by symptoms.
Separately highlight the complications of vitiligo, potentially affecting health: psychological discomfort and a high risk of sunburn. Thus, people who suffer from vitiligo, often experience insecurity and may avoid society, suffer from low self-esteem.
Self-treatment: does it work?
Home methods are not a treatment, but rather a prevention of vitiligo. To keep the skin in good condition and protect it from unnecessary stress is recommended:
- Use products against the damaging effects of the sun. These are creams with SPF, which are available for both body and face. It is recommended to apply such creams in a sufficient (thick) layer, as well as to constantly renew, if required by the instructions;
- Choose safe products for self-tanning – at the moment – these are compositions with dihydroxyacetone;
- Strengthen immunity, monitor the quality of tests. If necessary, take courses of vitamins (on the recommendation of an endocrinologist);
- Monitor the psychological state. Since psychosomatics for vitiligo is considered one of the probable causes, you need to take care of your peace of mind and comfort.
It is believed that the condition of the skin improves decoctions and compresses (for example, from radish seeds), as well as tinctures for internal use – based on chamomile, St. John’s wort, oregano and other herbs. It is important to realize that all these means will not help to stop the disease or reverse it. They are auxiliary options to support immunity. But be careful: natural remedies also have side effects and can cause allergies.
Vitiligo treatment
Vitiligo cannot be completely cured, but medications and phototherapy can help restore skin color and reduce the number of recurrences. In severe cases, skin grafting surgery may be required.
The choice of treatment tactics depends on the age of the patient, the extent of the lesion and how quickly the pathology progresses.
- Drug treatment
If no more than 20% of the skin is affected, the doctor begins treatment with hormonal ointments and creams. They help to restore pigment. However, if you use them for a long time (more than half a year), the skin may thin and it appears on its stretch marks. The effect of treatment does not last long.
- Phototherapy
Phototherapy, or light treatment, is usually more effective on the face. The treatment uses machines that apply laser flashes to the skin. The course usually lasts about a month with 2-3 treatments per week.
- Skin grafting
If other treatments have been ineffective, a person may be offered surgery to transplant sections of their own healthy skin or cell suspension. Donor tissue transplantation is also possible.
During the surgery, the surgeon takes a small portion of healthy skin or a solution of cells and places it on the vitiligo affected area. The first results can be seen in as little as a month.
Psycho-emotional state of people with vitiligo
People with vitiligo often experience psychological discomfort due to changes in appearance. The appearance of light-colored patches on their skin can cause them to feel ashamed, insecure and socially isolated. These experiences can lead to the development of depression, anxiety disorders, and reduced quality of life. This is especially true for adolescents and young adults who are still developing their self-esteem. It is important to note that support from family, friends and professionals, as well as psychological help can significantly improve the emotional state of the patient and help him to adapt to life with vitiligo.
Conclusion
Vitiligo is a disease that, despite its aesthetic manifestations, does not pose a threat to physical health, but can have a significant impact on a person’s psycho-emotional state. Although its exact causes remain unknown, modern treatment methods such as drug therapy, phototherapy and in some cases skin grafting, allow to control the development of the disease and improve the quality of life of patients. It is important to remember that vitiligo is not contagious or life-threatening, and that support from loved ones and professionals plays a key role in overcoming the psychological difficulties associated with the disease. Regular skin care, mental health care and timely consultation with a doctor will help people with vitiligo feel confident and comfortable in their bodies.
