Vitiligo is more commonly known as
leucoderma, which simply means white (leuco) skin
(derma), i.e. a skin disorder where it loses its normal
coloration. It is also medically known as achromia,
which means loss of color.
Basically, Vitiligo can hardly be called as a disease
but a skin- disorder that has more social than medical
significance, especially amongst the dark skin people.
Due to retarded melanin formation, there is loss of
pigmentation.
The Vitiligo sufferers are observed all over the world,
including the white skin communities. However,
epidemiologically most cases are recorded in India
(8.8%) and Mexico. Males and females are affected
equally, inclusive of children age group. It may begin
at any age. Childhood vitiligo is not uncommon.
Causes:
The exact cause for the pigmentary
disorder remains unknown. However, there are theories
suggesting autoimmune link, hormonal connection, genetic
tendencies, etc. The familial incidence is almost 20 to
30%. Often observed in the family members. If the
parents have Vitiligo, there are more chances of one
developing the same. However, it is not a rule. At the
same time, numerous cases of vitiligo do not have a
relevant family history of Vitiligo.
The precipitating factors have been identified as due to
pressure of tight clothes (such as on the waist) or
certain occupational hazards such as wearing certain
rubber hand gloves. Long term intake of certain drugs is
found to produce the pigmentary disorder. In many cases,
especially in children, we often have no clue why one
develops vitiligo.
Like many disease conditions, the exact causation yet
remains a mystery!
Features:
The typical appearance of Vitiligo is a milky while
depigmented spot or spots. It may vary from a single
white spot to multiple spots. The shape too is a
variable. In some cases generalized de-pigmentation
observed all over the body. It has a tendency to start
as a single spot and gradually grow in size and number.
It may present with a single or several spots on limbs
or abdomen or back and then spreading to other parts of
the body. Some cases showing affection of the
mucocutaneous junctions such as finger-tips, corners of
the mouth, private parts, around eyes. The spread of the
disorder is usually slow and progressive. Symmetrical
appearance on both the side of the body
(say, on the legs, hands, etc.) is common. In rare cases
one finds vitiligo spreading all over the body.
Associated Skin Disorders:
At times, you may find Vitiligo associated with one or
more of the following conditions:
° Alopecia Areata (Loss of hair)
° Premature graying of the hair
° Lichen Planus
° Psoriasis
° Halo Naevus
° Ichthyosis
Associated Systemic Disorders:
There are several systemic diseases (affecting the
entire body system), which are at times associated with
Vitiligo:
° Thyroid Disorders (Hypo and Hyperthyroidism)
° SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus)
° Pernicious Anemia
° Addison's Disease
° Collegen Diseases
° Grave's Disease
° Diabetes Mellitus
It may be noted that the sufferers of Vitiligo need not
be unduly scared of the above disease conditions, as
they shold not be regarded as the complications of
Vitiligo in every case.
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