Vitiligo is termed as an autoimmune disorder. It is a disease wherein one loses the pigmentation or coloration of the skin in certain body parts. One can’t catch this disease, as it does not transfer from one person to another and can appear anywhere in your body. If you find patches of light or white-skinned on your body, it is very likely that it could be a case of vitiligo. You can get advanced treatment by consulting the best vitiligo specialist in Delhi to consult for your condition. Delhi is home to some of the most renowned dermatologists and has helped many with their concerns. We have come up with this article after discussing it with her on vitiligo, its symptoms, and on what basis it is different from other similar skin conditions. Let’s get started with knowing all about vitiligo first!
What Is Vitiligo?
Vitiligo is a skin disease. This is because melanocyte cells, the cells responsible for forming the colors of your skin, break down and are destroyed. As these melanocytes do not produce skin pigmentation or melanin, white patches of lost pigment will often be noticed on portions of your body; this may include but is not limited to the following:
- Genitals
- Nostrils
- Back of the eye
- Outside the mouth or other mucous membranes
- Areas of sun exposure, such as on the feet, arms, hands, and face
- Inside the ear’s hearing system
Other than those described above, if the involved areas have hair, this disease may cause it to become grayish or white.
Symptoms of Vitiligo:
Common symptoms of vitiligo include:
- Patchy loss of skin color, often on the face, hands, and near the openings of the body and the genitals.
- Premature whitening or graying of hair on oneās scalp, eyelashes, beard, or eyebrows.
- Loss of color in tissues that line the inside of the mouth and nose.
- Changes in the color of your eyes.
- Itchy skin
Vitiligo can begin at nearly any age but most often starts before a person reaches his 30s. Depending on your type of vitiligo, it may affect many parts of your body.
- If it does, it is called generalized vitiligo; discolored patches symmetrically advance along corresponding body parts.
- Only One Side Of The Body Or Part Of The Body: It is known as segmental vitiligo. It mainly occurs at a much younger age, progresses for one or two years, and then stops.
- Only One Of Few Areas Of The Body: This type is termed localized vitiligo.
- Nearly All Skin Surfaces: This discolouration affects almost all the skin surfaces.
- The Face and Hands: This type of vitiligo has an impact on the body’s skin, especially on the face and hands and also around the openings to the body, like eyes, nose, and ears.
Vitiligo is caused by the killing or destruction of melanocytes, which are pigment-producing cells responsible for melanin-the pigment that gives color to the skin, hair, and eyes. Affected areas lose their pigmentation and become white or light. This is still not fully understood: why and how it happens is unclear.
However, possible contributing factors include:
- Inheritance or genetic predisposition
- Autoimmune disease
- A trigger event, such as stress, severe sunburn, or skin trauma (contact with a chemical).
How Is Vitiligo Diagnosed?
At the appointment with a dermatologist, your doctor may ask you to reveal the history of patches as:
- When did they first appear? Are they spreading or limited in a single area?
- Your Health History: Your doctor will ask about your health history and whether you have been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease.
- Family History of Vitiligo: Vitiligo is believed to be hereditary. At least 20 percent of patients suffering from this condition have members of their family who share the same affliction.
- Your doctor will ask if there has been any recent stressful event, including life events, which can stress you physically or emotionally, like a sharp change in your life or severing sunburns.
Other Common Skin Conditions Misdiagnosed as Vitiligo:
To determine if a skin problem is vitiligo, it is also important to recognize common skin conditions that are most commonly misdiagnosed as this illness.
1. Albinism: A congenital genetic disorder due to little or no melanin, making the skin pale or pigments absent, the hair lighten, and sometimes problems with vision. The symptoms remain constant over time.
2. Hansen’s Disease (Leprosy): Causes pale patches on skin that may lose pigment and feel numb.
3. Idiopathic Guttate Hypomelanosis (IGH): Light spots appear in sun-exposed places like the forearms and shins, with increased visibility as one age.
4. Melasma: Darker spots, usually on the face, caused by hormonal imbalance, sun exposure, or the use of contraceptives.
5. Pityriasis Alba: Light patches are usually red and scaly when first appearing, very common on the face, neck, and arms.
6. Scleroderma: Skin thickens due to darker and lighter spots. Systemic conditions may be present.
7. Tinea Versicolor: One form of fungal infection; also a condition that leads to dry, scaly patches. Most patches compare as lighter/darker in color than the adjacent skin on the chest or back.
Vitiligo Treatment:
Vitiligo treatment varies by the white patches’ size, number, and location. Some of the treatments included are:
- Medical Management
- Adjunctive Therapies
- PUVA Light Therapy
- NB UVB Light Therapy
- Excimer Laser
- Surgical Treatment
The patient sees a dermatologist fundamentally for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
Consult the Best Dermatologist in Delhi for Vitiligo Treatment!
If you observe any symptoms of vitiligo and wish to treat the disease, it would be better to refer to a dermatologist immediately and take a preventive step against it.
You can meet Dr. Nivedita Dadu, known to be the best dermatologist in Delhi, at Dadu Medical Centre. She has been in practice for the last 20 years and treats thousands of patients suffering from skin problems. She is considered to be the top skin doctor in Delhi. So, book your appointment at Dadu Medical Centre today at Vasant Vihar in South Delhi and Rajouri Garden in West Delhi!
