Vitiligo | |
---|---|
Non-segmental vitiligo of the hand | |
Pronunciation | |
Specialty | Dermatology |
Symptoms | Patches of white skin[1] |
Usual onset | Childhood, young adult[1] |
Duration | Long term[1] |
Causes | Unknown[2] |
Risk factors | Family history, other autoimmune diseases[3] |
Diagnostic method | Tissue biopsy[3] |
Treatment | Sunscreen, makeup, topical corticosteroids, phototherapy[2][3] |
Frequency | 1% of people[4] |
Vitiligo is a long-term skin condition characterized by patches of the skin losing their pigment.[1] The patches of skin affected become white and usually have sharp margins.[2] The hair from the skin may also become white.[2] The inside of the mouth and nose may also be involved.[3] Typically both sides of the body are affected.[2] Often the patches begin on areas of skin that are exposed to the sun.[3] It is more noticeable in people with dark skin.[3] Vitiligo may result in psychological stress and those affected may be stigmatized.[2]
The exact cause of vitiligo is unknown.[2] It is believed to be due to genetic susceptibility that is triggered by an environmental factor such that an autoimmune disease occurs.[2][3] This results in the destruction of skin pigment cells.[3] Risk factors include a family history of the condition or other autoimmune diseases, such as hyperthyroidism, alopecia areata, and pernicious anemia.[3] It is not contagious.[5] Vitiligo is classified into two main types: segmental and non-segmental.[2] Most cases are non-segmental, meaning they affect both sides; and in these cases, the affected area of the skin typically expands with time.[2] About 10% of cases are segmental, meaning they mostly involve one side of the body; and in these cases, the affected area of the skin typically does not expand with time.[2] Diagnosis can be confirmed by tissue biopsy.[3]
There is no known cure for vitiligo.[2] For those with light skin, sunscreen and makeup are all that is typically recommended.[2] Other treatment options may include steroid creams or phototherapy to darken the light patches.[3] Alternatively, efforts to lighten the unaffected skin, such as with hydroquinone, may be tried.[3] Several surgical options are available for those who do not improve with other measures.[3] A combination of treatments generally has better outcomes.[4] Counselling to provide emotional support may be useful.[2]
Globally about 1% of people are affected by vitiligo.[4] In some populations it affects as many as 2–3%.[6] Males and females are equally affected.[2] About half show the disorder before age 20 and most develop it before age 40.[2] Vitiligo has been described since ancient history.[2]