Vitiligo causes one’s skin to lose color or pigmentation. This happens when melanocytes–skin cells that make pigment–are attacked and destroyed, causing the skin to turn into a milky white color. Vitiligo affects about 1% of people worldwide and usually begins on one’s face, feet, forearms, and hands. Although treatment is not required, it is an option to be considered if one wishes to change their skin tone and improve the appearance of the skin.

Vitiligo signs and symptoms
Depigmentation, or loss of natural color or pigment, is the primary sign of vitiligo. The depigmented areas on one’s body can have the following effects:

• On the hands, feet, arms, and cheeks, milky white patches of skin form frequently.
• In regions where the skin is shedding pigment, hair may become white. The head, brow, eyelashes, and facial and body hair are all susceptible to this.
• Mucous membranes, such as the mouth and nostrils may lose color.
• Vitiligo patients may also develop swelling or inflammation and partial loss of color of the eye.
• Hearing loss is also a sign of vitiligo as the inner ear consists of melanocytes.

Causes of vitiligo
According to research, vitiligo is an inflammatory condition in which the body’s defense mechanisms target and kill melanocytes. Additionally, scientists are still researching how genes and family background may contribute to the development of vitiligo. Sunburn, stress, or exposure to a chemical are just a few examples of some common vitiligo causes.

How does vitiligo begin?
The first signs of vitiligo are typically a few tiny, light spots that appear on the skin. These patches could increase in size or remain the same for years. Skin can develop fresh areas and the new patches could develop near or far from the current ones.

Types of vitiligo
If a person acquires a few spots or patches that develop in one or several areas on their body, dermatologists refer to this condition as localized vitiligo. On the other hand, vitiligo is referred to as generalized when it results in sporadic patches of melanin pigment loss on various body parts. Rarely, some individuals gradually lose the majority of their skin tone, which is referred to as ubiquitous vitiligo.

It is impossible to gauge how much a person’s epidermis will darken. Furthermore, it is impossible to predict who will develop larger patches or where new patches will emerge.

The form of vitiligo one has also affects what they initially notice. Non-segmental vitiligo, the most prevalent form, tends to spread slowly with new patches appearing intermittently over the course of a person’s lifetime.

Vitiligo treatments and management options
Vitiligo does not require treatment because it only affects the skin color and poses no health risks to the body. However, a healthcare provider can assist one in finding the right treatment option to achieve a uniform skin tone by either restoring color to their skin (repigmentation) or eradicating the remaining pigment (depigmentation) if one has widespread patches.

Treatment for skin lightening
Luminous treatment and treatment for skin lightening are common options. Depigmentation therapy lightens one’s natural skin tone to match the vitiligo-affected regions of their skin.

Counseling
Concerns about looks can lead to low self-esteem or a negative self-image. Some vitiligo patients find that seeking counseling from a mental health expert helps them better manage their anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem, which may be related to the changes in their skin. Psychological distress caused due to vitiligo can influence a person’s perspective and social interactions. If this occurs, one must visit a therapist or join a support group.

Vitiligo results in skin’s esthetic alterations. Since the condition is not harmful, treatment is not necessary. However, contact one’s healthcare provider to discuss the changes in their skin’s appearance may help. Moreover, post-treatment, making certain changes to one’s meal plans may help prevent the recurrence of vitiligo.