Vitiligo is a skin disorder characterized by a loss of the pigment called melanin from areas of the skin, which causes patches of discoloration in those areas. Vitiligo may affect small or large areas of the body and most commonly affects the hands, forearms, feet and face, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Vitiligo can affect all races, but is the most noticeable in those with darker skin, according to Mayo Clinic.
Types
There are three different types of vitiligo: generalized, segmental and trichrome. Generalized vitiligo is the most common form and is characterized by widespread and rapid loss of skin color. The loss of skin color begins on hands, fingertips, wrists, eyes, mouth or feet and spreads to face, lips, arms, legs and genitals, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Pigment loss occurs in cycles, alternating between rapid loss of pigment and times when pigment does not change. Segmental vitiligo is characterized by pigment loss in only one area of the body. This pigment loss occurs on only one side of the body, as well. Trichrome vitiligo is characterized by three different colored patches of skin that develop on the body--brown, white and tan.
Causes
Melanin is the dark pigment in the epidermis layer of the skin that gives color to the skin, as well as the hair and eyes. Vitiligo occurs as result of the destruction or underproduction of melanin, according to Mayo Clinic. When there is not enough melanin, the result is light-colored or white patches of skin. The reason for the destruction or underproduction of melanin has not been proved, but is believed to be a result of an immune system disorder, previous episodes of severe sunburns or emotional distress.
Symptoms
The main symptom of vitiligo is pigment loss that appears in white patches on the body. Other less common symptoms of vitiligo include premature whitening or graying of the hair on the scalp, eyelashes, eyebrows or beard, loss of color in the inside of the mouth and loss of color on the retina, the inside layer of the eye, according to Mayo Clinic. Depigmentation can occur gradually or suddenly, and it appears as flat areas of normal-looking skin, according to Medline Plus.
Treatment
One treatment option for vitiligo is medications that aim to even out skin tone by restoring pigment in white areas or destroying pigment in colored areas. Medications may be applied directly to the skin or taken orally. Another treatment option consists of light therapy, a procedure in which ultraviolet light is projected onto the areas affected by color loss. Skin grafts may also be an option, but is usually only considered for those with segmental vitiligo, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Those who have vitiligo should also avoid sun exposure, especially tanning beds, and use sunscreen regularly.
Prognosis
Prognosis varies based on specific cases. In some cases of vitiligo, pigment may reappear and the patches will regain normal coloring. In other cases, pigment loss may be progressive and spread throughout other areas of the body. While vitiligo does not usually cause other health problems, the colorless areas of skin are more susceptible to sunburn and skin cancer, according to Medline Plus.
