Explained: What Is Vitiligo?

Vitiligo is a chronic skin condition which is characterized by loss of skin pigment which then causes white patches in various parts of the skin. This happens when skin cells that make pigment (melanocytes) are attacked/destroyed which makes skin turn milky-white. Thereby, Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease.

In a normal person, the immune system works throughout their body to fight off and defend the body from various viruses, bacteria and infection. However, if a person is suffering with autoimmune diseases, the immune cells attack the body¡¯s own healthy tissues by mistake. People with vitiligo are in danger to develop other autoimmune disorders as well.

What causes Vitiligo?

Several studies have been done to find the root cause of vitiligo and even though, the exact cause of the disease is unknown, studies imply that there are several potential triggers. However, studies finally concluded that it is an autoimmune disease.

Vitiligo is caused by the lack of a pigment in the skin called melanin. Melanin is produced by skin cells called Melanocytes (which gives color to our skins). Vitiligo is also sometimes associated with other autoimmune and inflammatory diseases such as Diabetes Type 1, rheumatoid arthritis, alopecia areta, hyperthyroidism etc.

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Symptoms of Vitiligo

1. The main symptoms of Vitiligo include skin losing its natural pigment which is called de-pigmentation. The de-pigmented patches appear in various parts of the body.

2. If the skin under the hair is losing its pigment, the hair can also get white in color. This can happen in eyebrows, eyelashes, beard, scalp hair etc

3. Development of mucous membrane inside mouth and noise.

How is it diagnosed?

Diagnosing vitiligo typically involves a comprehensive evaluation of the individual's medical history, physical examination and in some cases additional tests too. Here are some steps involved in the diagnosis of vitiligo:

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1. Medical History: The healthcare professional will begin by gathering information about the individual's symptoms, including when they first noticed the depigmented patches and whether there is a family history of vitiligo or other autoimmune disorders. They may also inquire about any recent illnesses, infections, or traumatic events that may have triggered the onset of vitiligo.

2. Physical Examination: A thorough physical examination will be conducted to assess the extent and distribution of the depigmented patches. The dermatologist will examine the affected areas as well as the surrounding skin to determine the pattern and characteristics of the vitiligo.

3. Wood's Lamp Examination: In some cases, a Wood's lamp may be used during the physical examination. This handheld device emits ultraviolet light, which can help the dermatologist identify depigmented areas that may not be easily visible to the naked eye. Under the Wood's lamp, the affected areas of vitiligo may appear more clearly as bright white patches.

4. Skin Biopsy: In certain situations, a skin biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis or rule out other skin conditions that may present with similar symptoms. During a skin biopsy, a small sample of skin is taken from the depigmented patch and examined under a microscope. This allows the dermatologist to evaluate the presence of melanocytes (pigment-producing cells) and rule out other skin disorders.

5. Blood Tests: While there are no specific blood tests to diagnose vitiligo, your healthcare provider may order blood tests to assess the overall health of an individual, check for any underlying autoimmune conditions, or evaluate specific markers related to vitiligo.