Vitiligo develops in both men and women. It commonly appears during childhood, which can cause further psychological distress. The exact cause of vitiligo is unknown, as is a cure or way to prevent this disease from developing.
As with other autoimmune diseases, vitiligo tends to have a hereditary pattern and may run in the family.
People of all skin tones may develop vitiligo, though it is most noticeable in people with naturally tan skin and people of color.
Though all types of vitiligo are known to cause depigmentation, there are several different types of vitiligo. Getting an accurate diagnosis is extremely important in order to create a treatment plan that could yield the best aesthetic results.
Generalized vitiligo is the most commonly experienced type of vitiligo. Areas of depigmentation are usually symmetrical across the body. Common areas that are affected by generalized vitiligo include the hands, wrists, elbows, underarms, face, eyelids, nose, lips, ears, hips, knees, ankles, and feet.
Segmental vitiligo refers to a type of vitiligo that appears during childhood and most commonly affects the face, neck, abdomen, arms, and legs. This type of vitiligo usually stabilizes and stops spreading after a few years of active depigmentation.
Universal vitiligo is a rare but extremely severe variety of vitiligo. Universal vitiligo is marked by depigmentation which covers more than 80% of the body.
Lip-tip vitiligo is a variety of vitiligo that only affects the lips, fingers, and toes. Unlike other types of vitiligo, lip-tip vitiligo does not have a consistent pattern and it is not necessarily symmetrical.
Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease, in which cells in your body attack other cells in your body.
Though the cause of this autoimmune disorder isn’t exactly known, vitiligo occurs when your immune cells attack melanocytes. Since these cells produce the pigment that creates your unique skin tone, depigmentation occurs as the immune system continues its attack.
Vitiligo is a difficult condition to treat as it does not have a cure or a well-understood cause, and it also causes psychological distress.
However, there are several treatment options for vitiligo that can help prevent or slow further depigmentation. Topical corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors, such as tacrolimus, can help treat vitiligo. Other common options include light and laser therapy.
Leave your skincare to the experts. Vitiligo is a distressing condition that changes the appearance of the skin through often widespread depigmentation. If you would like to experience premier dermatological care to achieve beautiful and healthy skin, please schedule your appointment with Dr. Ip today.