What is vitiligo?
Vitiligo affects the skin, eyes and mucosal membranes by destruction of cells that produce the pigment of the body. The most visible results of this condition are white spots in areas where the skin does not produce enough pigment. This is not a serious condition, but research doctors are still exploring methods of correct diagnosis, treatment, coexisting diseases and psychological side effects. This material is constantly decomposed and replaced, so it must be complemented by cells called melanocytes. Melanocytes produce and distribute the right amount of melanin, but this process is disrupted for people with vitiligo.
As scientists have found, vitiligo destroys melanocytes for unknown reasons. They categorized it as an autoimmune disorder, because it seems that no external cause is responsible for it. In autoimmune disorders, your body is mistaken for the enemy of the intruders, the war with the "hostile" cells. Your dysfunctional immune system continues to attack your own cells; In this case melanocytes.
The most common symptom of VITiliga are light or white spots of the skin anywhere on your body. These are commonly found in areas that receive a lot of sunlight, such as your face, the back of the neck, forearm, hands and legs. They can also affect other areas, for example under the arms and genitals. For the most part, the symptoms are the most serious aspect of this condition and doctors direct their treatment for this aspect.
If you suspect you have a vitiligo, make sure you go to your doctor for an official diagnosis and consultation. You can expect a physical skin test from a dermatologist. At this stage of research there are a number of different treatment courses, from light therapy to oral medicines to strong sunscreen.
Because Vitiligo seems to affect young people more than older people, doctors mention the psychological effects of the disease as the main problem. A person with a visible difference in the skin color called depigmentation may be affectedon to consider their body to be unhealthy, disabled or unattractive. Doctors encourage young people to see a psychologist to help with this reaction.
Vitiligo can direct your doctor to another coexisting condition often observed with depigmentation. Anemia, lupus and hyperthyroidism often occur in people with vitiligo. Genetics is also likely to be responsible because the condition in families seems to be running. Unfortunately, vitiligo usually deteriorates as time continues. But it is certainly not contagious.