Vitiligo
Does vitiligo have a cure? Information about the causes, symptoms, and treatment for this skin disease.
Symptoms and Causes
Vitiligo is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes depigmentation of the skin in the form of white spots scattered across the body. This loss of color occurs due to the progressive disappearance of melanocytes, which are the cells responsible for producing melanin and, therefore, giving color to the skin and hair.
Depending on how the spots appear, two different types can be identified:
- Non-segmental or generalized vitiligo, which is the most common: white spots develop on both sides of the body. Although they can appear anywhere, it is more common for them to form on the face, hands, knees, and elbows.
- Focal and segmental vitiligo: color loss affects only one side of the body and may disappear over time.
- Universal vitiligo: discoloration occurs on nearly the entire surface of the skin.
This condition is not contagious and does not pose a serious health risk, although it can affect the confidence and emotional well-being of those who suffer from it.
Symptoms
The main symptom of vitiligo is the loss of melanin in certain parts of the body, which typically manifests in the following ways:
- Irregular skin spots.
- Premature white color in hair, including eyebrows, eyelashes, or beard.
- Lack of color in the mucous membranes, both in the mouth and nose.
Causes
Although the exact cause of vitiligo is unknown, it is certain that both genetic and environmental factors influence its development. Some of the circumstances that may trigger this condition include:
- An immune system disorder.
- Family history, as it has a hereditary component.
- Other conditions such as diabetes, Addison’s disease, or thyroid disorders.
- Stress, trauma, or severe sunburns.
Risk Factors
Vitiligo affects people of all races and ages. However, the first symptoms typically appear between the ages of 10 and 30, usually before 20. Additionally, the effects of depigmentation are more significant in people with darker skin.
Complications
Although vitiligo is not a severe disease that endangers the health of the affected individual, the lack of melanin can trigger other conditions such as photosensitivity, sun allergies, or susceptibility to sunburn, which may lead to precancerous lesions or skin cancer.
The alteration in physical appearance, especially on the face, often causes psychological distress, which may lead to anxiety, stress, or depression. For this reason, many times it is recommended that patients seek a mental health professional and join support groups after receiving the diagnosis.
Prevention
Vitiligo cannot be prevented, as it can appear at any time in people with no apparent predisposition. To promote skin health in general and particularly in depigmented areas, it is recommended to use high-protection sunscreens throughout the year, wear clothing with UPF 50+, and avoid prolonged sun exposure, especially during the peak hours of the day in the summer.
Diagnosis
It is usually easy to diagnose vitiligo, as the spots caused by the loss of melanin are very noticeable. In cases where there is a need to detect areas without pigmentation that are not yet visible to the naked eye, the Wood’s lamp is used. This instrument shows areas without melanocytes in bright white.
When it is necessary to rule out other autoimmune diseases, a biopsy and blood tests are often conducted to check the levels of vitamin B12 and thyroid hormones.
Treatment
Available treatments help alleviate the effects of the disease or slow its progression, but there is currently no definitive cure for vitiligo. Depending on the patient’s age, the extent of the spots, and the type of condition that has developed, the most appropriate treatment is chosen:
- Medications: Topical corticosteroids reduce inflammation and may contribute to the restoration of skin color. When depigmentation progresses rapidly, they may be administered orally or intravenously.
- Physical therapies: Phototherapy with ultraviolet B (UVB) rays helps slow the growth of the spots, while photochemotherapy, which combines psoralen intake with exposure to UVA rays, achieves repigmentation in many cases.
- Immunotherapy: One of the most researched approaches in immunotherapy for the more severe forms of vitiligo is the use of JAK inhibitors (Janus Kinases). These drugs block the signaling pathways that activate the abnormal immune response. Recent studies have shown that JAK inhibitors can reduce inflammation and promote repigmentation in vitiligo patients, with visible results within a few months.
