Vitiligo is a skin disease that can occur at almost any age, is not congenital, is characterized by clearly demarcated, patchy, colorless (light colored) areas. There is usually an increase in color around the light colored area. Hair in the area where the color is lightened may also lose color. It is thought that one in every 100 people has this disease.
It is more noticeable in people with dark skin. Although the exact cause of vitiligo is not known, it is thought to occur due to the loss of pigment-producing cells (melanocytes). It is suggested that the person's own immune system is effective in the damage to these cells.
Although it is not congenital, its frequent occurrence in some families suggests a genetic predisposition.
The most commonly affected areas are the neck, back of the hands and genitals (testicles). It starts as small spots, which later grow or merge to form the classic appearance.
Diagnosis can only be made by examination.
The course of the disease is variable. After reaching a certain size, it may persist for years or disappear. In some patients, it may cover the entire body.
Sunburn occurs frequently in these areas and must be protected.
Pernicious anemia, hyperthyroidism and Addison's disease are also more common (or occur together more often) in patients with vitiligo than in other people.
Treatment
There is no definitive treatment for vitiligo, the cause of which has not been determined. For aesthetic purposes, bergamot essence can be used to cover up spots.
8-methoxypsoralen or trimethylpsoralen treatments are the most effective drugs in darkening the spots. After these drugs are used, the patient is given ultraviolet-A light. These drugs should not be used under the age of 11. However, despite this treatment, the disease may occur in new areas.
There are also those who recommend hypnosis in treatment.
A cream called Gerovital H-3 face cream (GH-3), available abroad (Romania), is claimed to be effective in adults
