Do you have vitiligo symptoms? How do they spread? Doctor explains

Although vitiligo is non-contagious, vitiligo patients often face discriminatory behaviour from society, due to misconceptions about the skin condition. Some vitiligo patients are reluctant to get out of their homes or face people, as they are worried about the stigma. June 25 is observed as World Vitiligo Day every year to spread awareness about this autoimmune disease.

What is vitiligo?
Vitiligo is a chronic skin condition that causes loss of pigment in specific areas of the skin, resulting in white patches that can appear anywhere on the body. It occurs when the melanocytes, or the cells responsible for skin colour, are destroyed or stop functioning. Vitiligo is often referred to as an autoimmune disorder as the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys melanocytes responsible for producing pigment. Eventually, vitiligo causes other autoimmune diseases like thyroid. So, doctors often prescribe lab tests to detect thyroid problems and other antibody tests for vitiligo patients.

Will vitiligo affect other body parts?
Vitiligo is one of the most common autoimmune disorders affecting around two per cent of the world population. This condition is partially genetic, as there is only a six per cent chance for a family member to get vitiligo.

Vitiligo could affect people of all ages and races. White patches appear on all parts of the body, particularly in areas such as the elbows, palms, hips, knees, and feet. Additionally, it can also affect the skin around the eyes, nose, and mouth, as well as the genital area and the inner lining of the nose and mouth. The white patches gradually increase in size, although their intensity may vary among individuals. In some individuals, the white patches rarely increase in size, while they spread rapidly in others. Meanwhile, the skin repairs itself to its original pigment in 10–20 per cent of patients.

Symptoms
Vitiligo usually do not show any symptoms. However, the condition could cause severe itching in some people. This skin condition is not contagious and is not life-threatening. It is essential to note that not all white patches are caused by vitiligo. You should suspect vitiligo if the patches are milky white and spread to more than two areas on the body. Although vitiligo patches can be easily recognised, certain tests need to be done as per the doctor’s instructions to confirm the diagnosis.

How to stop vitiligo from spreading?
Vitiligo patients should consult a dermatologist for treatment and to restore the natural pigment of the skin. Treatment could even prevent the white patches from spreading to other body parts. However, the same treatment may not be effective for all. Therefore, a dermatologist can recommend specialised tests to determine the treatment process for each patient.

Types of vitiligo
Acrofacial vitiligo
Acrofacial vitiligo is a subtype of vitiligo that affects the extremities, like finger tips and toes, as well as the lips. This rare type of vitiligo is relatively unresponsive to medications.
Segmental vitiligo
It is a distinct type of vitiligo that usually affects one side or segment of the body. Segmental vitiligo is mostly seen in children.

Non segmental vitiligo
White patches appear on various parts of the body.
Common vitiligo
Common vitiligo is characterised by white patches that can affect any part of the body and are typically seen on the elbows and knees.
Focal vitiligo
Focal vitiligo is a condition characterised by a few isolated white patches on the skin. These patches may remain on those parts for over two years and do not show any signs of spreading.

Treatment
Vitiligo patients should limit sun exposure and use sunscreens or protective clothing to shield their skin from UV radiation emitted by the sun. The following are some of the most effective treatments of vitiligo.
Topical therapy
Creams containing corticosteroids or calcineurin inhibitors are prescribed.
Light therapy
This treatment involves controlled exposure to UVB light. Narrowband ultraviolet B rays are used for this.

Skin grafting
It is a modern surgical method where pigment cells are extracted from non-affected body parts and are grafted onto the white patches.
Is it possible to prevent vitiligo?
It is not possible to completely prevent or cure vitiligo. However, early detection and treatment could effectively prevent its spread. Treatment would become difficult if the symptoms are ignored for years.
(The writer is a senior consultant of dermatology at the Rajagiri Hospital in Aluva.)