Search for specific topic by selecting first letters:

Vitiligo

Definition

Vitiligo is a skin condition in which there is loss of pigment from areas of skin resulting in irregular white patches with normal skin texture.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Vitiligo appears to be an acquired condition and may appear at any age. There is an increased incidence in some families. Vitiligo is more noticeable in darker skinned people because of the contrast.

The cause of vitiligo is unknown, but autoimmunity may be a factor. This condition affects about 1% of the U.S. population.

Lesions appear as flat depigmented areas with a darker boarder. The edges are sharply defined but irregular. Frequently affected areas are the face, elbows and knees, hands and feet, and genitalia.

Symptoms

  • Family history of vitiligo
  • Sudden or gradual onset of flat normally textured areas of skin with complete pigment loss

Signs and tests

Examination is usually sufficient to confirm the diagnosis. In some cases, a skin biopsy may be needed to rule out other causes of pigment loss.

Treatment

Vitiligo is difficult to treat. Early treatment options include the following:

  • Exposure to intense ultraviolet light, such as narrow-band UVB therapy
  • Oral medications, such as Trisoralen (trimethylpsoralen)
  • Topical medications
    • Repigmenting agents such as Oxsoralen (methoxsalen)
    • Immunosuppressants such as Elidel (pimecrolimus) and Protopic (tacrolimus)
    • Corticosteroid creams

Skin may be grafted, or removed from normal areas and placed into areas of pigment loss. In the future, skin pigment cells may be grown in the laboratory and used to treat areas of vitiligo.

Support Groups

Expectations (prognosis)

The course of vitiligo varies. Some areas may repigment, but other new areas may appear. Depigmentation may be progressive.

Complications

Depigmented areas are more likely to sunburn or develop certain skin cancers. Vitiligo is associated with three systemic diseases: 1) pernicious anemia, 2) hyperthyroidism, and 3) Addison's disease.

Calling your health care provider

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you develop areas of skin that lose their coloring.

Illustrations

Vitiligo
Vitiligo
Vitiligo, drug induced
Vitiligo, drug induced
Vitiligo on the face
Vitiligo on the face
Tuberous sclerosis, hypopigmented macule
Tuberous sclerosis, hypopigmented macule
Vitiligo on the back and arm
Vitiligo on the back and arm

Page Content:

vitiligo; treatment vitiligo; cure vitiligo; picture vitiligo; support vitiligo; tab vitiligo; make up vitiligo; disease skin vitiligo; cause vitiligo; foundation national vitiligo; latest treatment vitiligo; penis vitiligo; tratamiento vitiligo; disorder skin vitiligo; foundation vitiligo; symptom vitiligo; cura vitiligo; kid vitiligo; photo vitiligo; jackson michael vitiligo; anti vitiligo; emilys vitiligo; vitamin vitiligo; cure natural vitiligo; disease vitiligo; protopic vitiligo; cura el para vitiligo; in spanish vitiligo; celebrity vitiligo; medicine vitiligo; laser treatment vitiligo; new treatment vitiligo; research vitiligo; boca na vitiligo; skin vitiligo; child in vitiligo; cream vitiligo; cosmetic vitiligo; pic vitiligo; option treatment vitiligo; el para tratamiento vitiligo; can die from u vitiligo; child vitiligo; cuba vitiligo; natural treatment vitiligo; elidel vitiligo; herb vitiligo; tattoo vitiligo; medication vitiligo; remedy vitiligo; condition skin vitiligo; essential oil vitiligo; forum vitiligo; homeopathy vitiligo; patch picture vitiligo; laser vitiligo; group support vitiligo; natural remedy vitiligo; treating vitiligo; joe rogan vitiligo; anti oil vitiligo; disease jackson michael skin vitiligo; herbal treatment vitiligo; information vitiligo; repigmentation vitiligo; celebrity have vitiligo who; cover up vitiligo; doctor vitiligo; diet vitiligo; es que vitiligo; horse in vitiligo; image vitiligo; make permanent up vitiligo; nutrition vitiligo; oil vitiligo; home remedy vitiligo; specialist vitiligo; ayurveda vitiligo; excimer laser vitiligo; herbal natural treatment vitiligo; thyroid vitiligo