Are you getting white spots on your skin (Vitiligo)? Let's talk all about it!

Have you ever seen some people have white spots on their skin? Maybe you have experienced the same thing. This is what we simply call white spots, white patches, or as doctors often call them `(Vitiligo)`. Although this may seem a little scary to see, it is actually not a dangerous disease. However, it is very important to be aware of this. Today, let's talk about `(Vitiligo)` in detail and very simply, shall we?

What is Vitiligo?

Simply put, vitiligo is a condition in which your skin loses its pigment. This causes your skin to become lighter than normal, sometimes completely white. These patches of skin that are smaller than a centimeter are called macules, and larger patches are called patches. However, we usually call them white spots. If you have vitiligo where you have hair, even that hair can turn white or silver. This condition is caused by your body's immune system destroying a type of skin-coloring cell called melanocytes. These melanocytes produce a chemical called melanin. This melanin is what gives color to our skin, hair, and eyes. So when these cells are lost, melanin production stops, and the skin loses its color.

Who is most affected by this situation?

Vitiligo can affect people of all races and genders . However, it is more common in people with darker skin tones. Vitiligo can occur at any age, but it usually first appears before the age of 30. If you have certain autoimmune conditions, you may be at a slightly higher risk of developing vitiligo. For example:

• Addison's disease
• Anemia​
• Diabetes (Type 1 )
• Lupus disease
• Psoriasis​
• Rheumatoid arthritis `(Rheumatoid arthritis )`
• Thyroid disease

How common is vitiligo?

Worldwide, more than 1% of the population is reported to have this white skin condition, Vitiligo. This means it is not that uncommon.

How does vitiligo start and spread?

Vitiligo usually starts with a few small white spots . These can gradually spread throughout your body. Most often, these spots are first seen on your hands, forehead, armpits, feet, and face. However, the condition can occur anywhere on your body, including the mucous membranes around your mouth, nose, genitals, and anus, as well as inside your eyes and ears. Sometimes, large spots can continue to spread and get bigger, but sometimes they can stay in the same place for years. The areas where the small spots are located can change over time, and some areas may lose pigment and regrow. Not everyone with vitiligo has the same amount of skin. Some people have just a few small spots, while others may have a large loss of color throughout their skin.

What are the main types of vitiligo?

There are several main types of `(Vitiligo)`. Let's see what they are:

• Generalized: This is the most common type . In this type, spots appear on various parts of the body.
• Segmental type: In this type, the spots appear on only one side of the body, or in only one area, such as the hands or face.
• Mucosal type: This affects the mucous membranes of the mouth and/or genitals.
• Focal: This is a rarer type . In this type, the spots appear in a small area and do not spread in a specific pattern for a year or two.
• Trichrome type: In this type, you can see a white or colorless part in the middle, like a target, with a light-colored part around it, and then a part that is your normal skin color around it.
• Universal type: This is also a very rare type. In this , more than 80% of your skin loses its pigment.

What are the symptoms of Vitiligo?

The main symptoms of `(Vitiligo)` are:

• Discolored patches on the skin or mucous membranes. These may appear white or lighter than your normal skin color.
• The hair on your body is silver, gray, or white .

Symptoms can be very mild, meaning they are limited to a small area, or they can be severe, affecting a large area of ​​the skin. Some people may experience itching in the area before the skin starts to lose color.

Where on the body do the symptoms of vitiligo appear?

Vitiligo symptoms can appear on the skin anywhere on the body, but are most commonly seen in the following areas:

• Hands
• Feet
• Arm (arm)
• Face
• Mucous membranes (inside the mouth, lips, inside the nose)
• Genitals (e.g. penis)

What are the causes of vitiligo?

Vitiligo is basically caused by the loss of melanin, the pigment in your skin. But it's still not exactly known why this happens . Research has found that the following factors can contribute to the development of vitiligo:

• An autoimmune condition: Your immune system mistakenly thinks healthy cells (in this case, melanocytes) are invaders, such as harmful bacteria. This causes the immune system to become overactive and produce antibodies to destroy your melanocytes.
• Genetic changes: A genetic mutation or change in your body's DNA can affect the way melanocytes work. There are more than 30 genes that increase the risk of developing vitiligo.
• Stress: If you are constantly under stress, or if you experience physical stress after an injury, the amount of pigment produced by melanocytes may change.
• Environmental triggers: Environmental factors such as exposure to ultraviolet radiation and toxic chemicals can also affect the function of melanocytes.

Is this a genetic effect?

The causes of vitiligo are still being researched. However, studies show that about 30% of people with vitiligo are genetically predisposed . This means that the condition can be passed down from generation to generation, and if someone in your family has it, you are more likely to develop it. There are several genetic mutations that affect the function of melanocytes. If this mutation targets the cells that give your skin its color, you may develop vitiligo.

Is Vitiligo painful?

No, `(Vitiligo)` is not a painful condition. However, `(Vitiligo)` can cause light-colored skin patches, which can be painful and painful to sunburn. Therefore, it is very important to protect yourself from the sun . You should do things like use sunscreen, avoid going out in the sun during strong sunlight, and wear protective clothing.

Can vitiligo cause other complications?

Although vitiligo is a condition that mainly affects the appearance of the skin, some complications can occur:

• Sensitive skin: Because depigmented spots lack melanocytes, those areas of skin may be more sensitive to the sun than the rest of the skin. This can cause them to burn more quickly than they tan.
• Eye abnormalities:Some people with vitiligo may have abnormalities in their retinas (the inner layer of the eye that contains light-sensitive cells) and changes in the color of their irises (the part that gives color to the eye). Sometimes there may be inflammation of the retina or iris, but vision is usually not affected.
• Predisposition to other autoimmune diseases: People with vitiligo are more likely to develop other autoimmune diseases that affect the functioning of the body's immune system. Common autoimmune diseases include hypothyroidism, diabetes, and anemia.
• Psychological challenges: Some people with vitiligo may feel embarrassed about the appearance of their skin. Some may also have low self-esteem . This can lead to feelings of anxiety or depression, and they may try to isolate themselves and isolate themselves. If you feel this way, it is important to talk to your doctor, a mental health counselor , or your family and friends.

How to recognize vitiligo?

Vitiligo can usually be diagnosed by a doctor simply by examining your skin. Sometimes, the doctor may use a device called a Wood's lamp to look at your skin. This lamp shines ultraviolet (UV) light on your skin. This helps the doctor differentiate vitiligo from other skin conditions. In addition, they may ask questions about your medical history and family medical history.

What other conditions look like vitiligo?

There are several other conditions that can change the color of your skin or cause it to lose pigment. For example:

• Chemical leukoderma: Exposure to chemicals used in some factories can damage skin cells, causing white, streaky or patchy areas on the skin.
• Tinea versicolor (ringworm): This is a yeast infection. It can cause dark spots on light-colored skin and light spots on dark-colored skin.
• Albinism: This is a genetic condition in which you have low levels of melanin in your skin, hair, and/or eyes.
• Pityriasis alba: This condition starts with red, scaly patches on the skin. They then fade, leaving behind light, scaly patches.

How is Vitiligo treated?

Since the condition called ``Vitiligo'' is not harmful to your body and mainly affects your appearance, treatment is not necessary.. But if you have widespread vitiligo, or if these physical symptoms are affecting your mental health, your doctor can help you find a treatment that works for you. These treatments either restore the lost color (repigmentation) or remove the remaining color and bring the entire skin to a uniform color (depigmentation). The most common treatments for vitiligo are:

• Types of drugs
• Light therapy
• Depigmentation therapy
• Surgery
• Counseling

Let's talk about each of these in a little more detail.

Types of drugs

Although there is no specific medication to stop the condition from affecting the skin, there are some medications that can slow down the rate of pigment loss, help melanocytes grow again, or help restore color to the skin. Medications for vitiligo may include:

• Corticosteroids (ointments or tablets)
• Topical Janus kinase inhibitors (e.g., ruxolitinib ointment)
• Calcineurin inhibitors (ointment)

Light therapy

Light therapy, or ``phototherapy,`` is a treatment that helps restore color to your skin. In this, your doctor will shine a light box, ultraviolet B ``UVB`` light, or a medical laser onto your skin for a short period of time. It may take several sessions of light therapy to see results on your skin. This treatment, which combines a drug called ``psoralen`` taken by mouth with ultraviolet A ``PUVA`` light, is used for people with large areas of ``Vitiligo.`` This treatment is effective for people with ``Vitiligo`` on the head, neck, trunk, upper arms, and legs.

Depigmentation therapy

This treatment involves removing the color of your normal skin to match the areas with vitiligo. This uses a drug called "monobenzone." When this cream is applied to your colored skin, it turns white and takes on the same color as the areas with vitiligo.

Surgery

Surgery is one treatment option for people with vitiligo. Surgical treatments may include:

• Skin grafts: Skin is taken from another part of your body and transplanted to the area with vitiligo. However, this can cause scarring, infection, or loss of color. This is also called "mini grafting."
• Blister grafting: In this, a blister is created from your skin using a suction method, and the top of the blister is taken and glued to the area where you have vitiligo.

However, your doctor may not recommend surgery if you have any of the following conditions:

• If `(Vitiligo)` spreads quickly.
• If you get scars easily.
• If you develop keloids, which grow larger than a wound.

Counseling

Some people with vitiligo may find it helpful to seek counseling or a mental health counselor to help them deal with low self-esteem, anxiety, or depression that may be caused by their skin changes. Vitiligo can be stressful, affecting how you look at life and your social relationships. If this happens, your doctor may suggest that you see a counselor or join a support group.

Can vitiligo be prevented?

There is no known way to prevent vitiligo because there are many possible causes. However, you can do the following to reduce your risk of developing vitiligo:

• Following safe practices when exposed to the sun (e.g., sunscreen, hats).
• Take good care of your skin by using a moisturizer every day.
• Avoiding mental stress and physical injuries.
• If there are underlying autoimmune diseases, manage them well.

What happens if you have vitiligo?

Vitiligo can affect your appearance, and it can also affect how you feel about your skin in social situations. Many people talk to a mental health counselor to help them feel more confident and build self-esteem.

Remember, there is no cure for vitiligo. But if you want to seek treatment, your doctor can help you choose the treatment that is best for you and your skin.

Will the natural color of the skin return with vitiligo?

About 10% to 20% of people with vitiligo will regain their skin color completely. This is most common in people who:

• Those who were diagnosed with the disease before the age of 20, that is, at a young age .
• Those who reached the peak of the disease outbreak in six months or less.
• People with mainly facial symptoms.

In these cases, your pigmentation is less likely to return:

• If symptoms of ``Vitiligo'' appear after the age of 20.
• If there are symptoms on the lips, limbs (especially the fingertips).

How to hide vitiligo spots?

If you are uncomfortable with the appearance of your skin (Vitiligo), you can try these things at home to hide these spots:

• Use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher . Using sunscreen can reduce skin tanning and also reduce the difference in color between the area of ​​vitiligo and normal skin.
• Use makeup to cover up areas of pigment loss. There are also special medical makeup products for this.
• If your hair color has faded, use hair dye to match it to the rest of your hair.
• Get micropigmentation . This involves tattooing your vitiligo spots. It acts like permanent makeup and helps hide the symptoms.

Is Vitiligo contagious?

No. Vitiligo is not a contagious disease. It is not spread from person to person through physical contact. Therefore, you should not be afraid to be around someone who has Vitiligo.

When should you see a doctor?

See your doctor in the following cases:

• If your skin pigment or color is fading quickly .
• If the loss of pigmentation spreads to a large area of ​​the body.
• If skin changes are affecting your mental health and well-being .

What questions should I ask the doctor?

It's a good idea to ask these questions when you see a doctor:

• What type of Vitiligo do I have?
• Will my skin regain its color?
• How should I protect myself from the sun?
• What are the best treatment options for my skin?
• Can my future children pass on this condition through genes?

What is the difference between Tinea versicolor (ringworm) and Vitiligo?

Tinea versicolor (commonly known as ringworm) and vitiligo are two different conditions that affect the pigmentation of your skin. Tinea versicolor is a fungal infection that causes white, yellow, red, pink, or brown patches to appear on your skin. Vitiligo is an autoimmune condition that causes your skin to lose its pigment, making it lighter or whiter than your normal skin color.

Is Piebaldism the same as Vitiligo?

No. Both of these conditions cause white or light-colored patches on the skin or hair, but they are different. Piebaldism is caused by a lack of melanocytes (the cells that produce the pigment melanin) in a part of your skin. You are born with piebaldism. Vitiligo is caused by the destruction of melanocytes in your body. Vitiligo develops over time.

Finally, things to remember (Take-Home Message)

Vitiligo is a condition that only affects the appearance of your skin. It is not dangerous and does not require treatment . However, it is true that the skin changes caused by vitiligo can affect self-esteem, make you feel insecure, or cause you to feel uncomfortable.

Don't hesitate to talk to your doctor about how your physical appearance is affecting your mental health. Although there is no cure for vitiligo, there are treatments that can help you feel more comfortable.You are not alone, there are many people living with this condition and managing it successfully. So the most important thing is to stay strong!