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Vitiligo
Medical Questions » Vitiligo
| Name: Vitiligo |
| Also known as: |
| Skin pigmentation disorder that can occur in all races, in both sexes, and at all ages, but onset is uncommon over 50 years of age. |
Causes of Vitiligo
Unknown, but probably an autoimmune disease, in which the body' s defense mechanisms inappropriately attack normal cells and tissue, in this case destroying pigment producing melanin cells (melanocytes) in the skin. |
Symptoms of Vitiligo
Loss of skin pigmentation in multiple patches that are sharply defined, may appear anywhere on the body, in any size and number, and overlying hair is usually white or Grey. Affected skin is very sensitive to sunlight, and burns easily. In pale-skinned northern Europeans the patches may be barely noticed, but in southern Europeans, Arabs, Negroes and Chinese the resultant large white patches are quite disfiguring. |
Tests for Vitiligo
Skin biopsy shows destruction of melanocytes. |
Treatment for Vitiligo
Cosmetic stains or dyes to disguise the affected areas of skin are most effective. A number of other treatments are available, but require long-term use of tablets and/or ultraviolet light exposure, and have only moderate success.
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Complications of Vitiligo of its treatment
No side effects or complications. |
Likely Outcome of Vitiligo
Affected area of skin usually slowly extends to involve larger areas but eventually stabilizes after several years. Spontaneous recovery is uncommon. |
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