The lack of pigmentation that some people present in certain parts of the body is due to the destruction of the cells that give the skin its color. Hence, these areas show a white appearance.

This condition, called vitiligo, is more common than we think and usually affects, in most cases, the legs, arms, hands, and back, but it can also appear on the neck, eyes, lip contour, and internal tissues of the mouth or nose.

The rejection that vitiligo patients often feel due to the spots on the skin can generate a series of problems that affect their emotional stability. Some people are insecure when showing the affected parts, avoiding, therefore, the use of swimsuits, skirts, and short-sleeved shirts … In others, in addition to low self-esteem, it causes depression. For this reason, it is usual for the dermatologist to recommend the patient to see a psychologist for him to learn to live with his skin and to love himself.

What causes vitiligo and how it manifests

A priori, there is no single cause for vitiligo, although it seems that genetic inheritance could play an important role. This dermatological disease is usually associated with problems in the immune system, but this is not always the case. In some patients, it manifests after episodes of great stress and in others as a consequence of prolonged sun exposure. Even doctors point out that hyperthyroidism could be behind vitiligo in some cases.

There is no special skin color, as it can affect people with brown skin and those with fair skin, but those with brown skin are more prone. Regarding the age of onset, in most cases, the first symptoms usually appear between 20 and 30 years.

This skin condition is painless, it is not annoying or uncomfortable, since it does not itch or peel, or sting. The only symptom of which it is suffered is the color change that occurs in the skin and the consequent appearance of white spots in some areas of the body, especially in those that are most exposed to ultraviolet rays, such as the hands, the contour of the lips, arms, around the eyes, armpits, and feet, discolorations that can later spread to other areas of the body, although it is not known for sure how long the process lasts.

Some spots show a slow spread, so it can take years between the appearance of some spots and others. There are times when the appearance of new spots is faster, and it may even be the case that the extension is accelerated due to stress. Likewise, the appearance of premature gray hair also seems to be linked to vitiligo.

How it is detected

Confirmation of this skin disease is given by performing a series of tests. These include a skin biopsy, blood tests, and an eye exam. The dermatologist will also proceed to carry out a study of the patient’s history to confirm if there are hereditary factors, that is if there are relatives in his family who suffer from vitiligo or autoimmune diseases. They will also examine your skin’s sensitivity to the sun to see if this may be related to the condition.

The most effective way to detect vitiligo is with the use of a Wood lamp, which emits a dark light that allows the stain to be identified and to determine if it is vitiligo or fungi, for example.

The dermatologist will direct the light of the Wood’s lamp on the stain to be analyzed and will place it at a distance of between 10 and 12 cm concerning the skin. To avoid eye damage, it will ask you to avoid looking while the diagnosis is being made.

With this light, the doctor will study the color and tonality of the spot. If it glows or emits ultraviolet rays, it is usually vitiligo.

This test does not require any prior preparation. You will need to stop any topical treatment you are using, and you will need to avoid bathing the day before the test to avoid a false result. The dermatologist will also advise against using deodorant or moisturizer.

What Treatments Are There For Vitiligo

Once the pertinent analyzes and tests have been carried out, the doctor will assess the condition and recommend the best treatment for the patient based on the number of spots present, their extension, and their preference for a specific treatment.

Among the most used treatments we have to mention the following:

Topical treatment. It consists of the use of creams that must be applied to the affected area.
Oral medications. If the dermatologist considers it appropriate, vitiligo can be treated with oral medications, which the patient will have to take while the specialist determines it.
Type A ultraviolet rays. The professional may advise the use of UV rays (PUVA therapy) so that the stains acquire a darker hue and are better disguised.
Pigmentation. In some cases, you can resort to pigmenting those areas where the spots have appeared to simulate the patient’s skin color and that they go unnoticed. Tattoos can also be used to hide the spots.
Surgery. Surgical treatment is another option. For this, autologous skin grafts (from the patient himself) are used in those areas of the most obvious body, as long as they do not exceed a certain size.
Other treatments. In addition to those indicated, the doctor may advise the use of sunscreen to slow the incidence of sunlight on the patient’s skin. This can also use makeup to hide the spots, especially if they appear in the area of the face.