Vitiligo is a skin condition characterised by the loss of skin pigment, resulting in lighter patches compared to the surrounding skin color. Vitiligo is non-life-threatening and non-contagious, yet it can lead to significant psychological effects such as stress and low self-esteem.

Specific types of the condition determine how to treat vitiligo. The primary objective of the care and treatment is to recover lost skin pigmentation. Treatment success may vary; vitiligo patches may persist, or new patches may develop.

What causes vitiligo?

Although the exact cause of vitiligo remains unknown, it is possible that an immune system disorder could be the cause—one in which the melanocyte cells, responsible for melanin production, are misidentified as a threat by the immune system. This results in a reduction of the skin's pigmentation.

There are several additional potential causes of vitiligo, such as:

Genetic factors

A hereditary predisposition may contribute to vitiligo's onset. A higher chance of developing vitiligo is related to mutations in particular genes. Vitiligo has been associated with more than 30 genes.

Stress

The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) has reported that emotional stress can worsen the symptoms of vitiligo. A study published in the journal PLOS One in January 2020 revealed that specific events, like the loss of a family member or financial difficulties, can exacerbate the symptoms of vitiligo.

Chronic stress can induce inflammation and impact the immune system. Consequently, this will activate and exacerbate autoimmune conditions like vitiligo. Certain types of vitiligo manifest in adulthood for this reason.

Environmental factor

Specific environmental factors like exposure to toxic substances or sunlight's ultraviolet radiation can also cause vitiligo. In more susceptible skin, ultraviolet radiation may damage melanocytes and induce autoimmune responses. Exposure to toxic chemicals can have negative effects on melanocyte function.

Read more: Getting To Know Vitiligo, Skin Disorders Due To Immune System Disorders

Get to know the different types of vitiligo

Vitiligo is classified into the following types:

Segmental Vitiligo

Segmental vitiligo is a less common kind of vitiligo that typically starts in childhood. Segmental vitiligo is a localized loss of skin pigmentation in a specific area of the body rather than extending throughout the entire body, as seen in other forms of vitiligo.

In most cases, segmental vitiligo will appear and then disappear within a year or two.

Non-segmental vitiligo

Bilateral vitiligo and generalized vitiligo are other names for non-segmental vitiligo. Most cases of vitiligo exhibit this pattern of progressively discolored patches over the body. This form of vitiligo can sometimes appear, fade, and reappear at different times.

Read more: Negative Habits That Make Skin Old Quickly

Subtype Vitiligo

In addition to the two forms of vitiligo, subgroups exist based on the width of skin involvement. Various subtypes of vitiligo are classified as:

• Localized subtype

Localized subtype of vitiligo involves depigmentation in one or a few specific locations.

• Generalized subtype

Depigmented patches in generalized vitiligo are scattered extensively throughout the body, covering a greater area than the localized form.

• Universal subtype

Universal subtype vitiligo is characterized by extensive depigmentation spread and is regarded as the most severe form. Due to the rapid spread, almost the entire skin experiences depigmentation.

A medical professional needs to perform a visual examination to diagnose and classify your vitiligo. Additionally, your doctor may recommend necessary treatments. If you have concerns about vitiligo, our health consultation services offer the opportunity to consult with our doctors using the Ai Care application. This app can be downloaded from the App Store or Play Store.

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