Vitiligo

Vitiligo is a chronic, autoimmune skin disease characterized by the appearance of depigmented areas due to the loss of skin pigment (melanin). The lesions can be of any shape and size and affect any part of the skin and mucous membranes. It is a relatively common disease, affecting 1%-2% of the population and sometimes appears frequently associated with other autoimmune diseases such as celiac disease, type 1 diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis.

Vitiligo occurs when melanin-producing cells (melanocytes) die or stop melanin production. The origin is not clear, but could be related to:

• Autoimmune disorder.
• Family history.
• Triggering events such as stress, sunburn or trauma to the skin.

Vitiligo is a benign disease with no major health consequences. It can begin at any age, but its onset is most common before the age of 30. The most common signs of vitiligo include:

• Patchy loss of skin color, usually appearing first on the hands, face and areas around body openings.
• Premature discoloration of the hair, eyelashes or eyebrows.
• Loss of color of the mucous membranes.

There is no cure for vitiligo, but there are treatments that can help stop or slow the color fading process.

There is no specific prevention against the onset of vitiligo.

Once diagnosed, there are actions that can be taken to slow down its progression such as:

• Protecting the skin from sun exposure with the use of high protection factor creams.
• Avoid exposure to artificial sources of UV rays such as self-tanning beds.
• Avoid situations that can be triggers such as stress or trauma to the skin.