Vitiligo
Vitiligo is a condition in which the skin loses melanin, resulting in white patches on various parts of the body.
Symptoms
- Pale or white patches on the skin
- Symmetrical distribution of patches
- Premature whitening of hair or eyelashes
- Changes in color of retina or mucous membranes
Causes
- Autoimmune destruction of melanocytes
- Genetic predisposition
- Oxidative stress or nerve-related causes
- Skin trauma or sunburn may trigger onset
Treatments
- Topical corticosteroids or calcineurin inhibitors
- Phototherapy (narrowband UVB)
- Depigmentation for widespread cases
- Skin camouflage or cosmetic solutions
- Surgical options (e.g., skin grafting) in some cases
Prevention
- No guaranteed prevention, but early treatment may slow progression
- Sun protection to prevent burns on depigmented areas
- Avoiding skin trauma