Vitiligo is one of the skin pigmentation disorders, an autoimmune disease characterized by depigmented, well-circumscribed milky white macules.

Vitiligo can affect anyone irrespective of race and gender. This type of depigmentation can occur in different body areas, especially on the face, hands, arms, genitals, and buttocks. Often, the loss of skin color happens symmetrically such as in both knees and hands.

However, some people experience discoloration on their scalp, inside the mouth, or on their eyebrows and eyelashes. Those who are dark-skinned show a significant contrast between their normal skin tone and white patches. Read on to learn more on vitiligo and its treatment with Dr. Nivedita Dadu, Vitiligo Specialist in Delhi at Dadu Medical Centre.

Cause of Vitiligo

Vitiligo is the result of an absence of melanin- a colored pigment responsible for providing skin its natural color. Melanin is produced by specialized cells called melanocytes. The reason behind the lack of melanin in some body areas remains unknown. However, the researchers believe vitiligo to be a result of:

• An autoimmune condition- It is a disease wherein the immune system starts attacking the healthy melanocytes in the skin by mistaking them as foreign invaders. The immune system overreacts and starts developing immunoglobulins against the skin melanocytes, there leading to depigmentation.
• Genetic changes- A gene mutation or change in the body’s genetic makeup may impair the functioning of the melanocytes.
• Environmental triggers- The skin’s exposure to toxic chemicals or UV radiation can affect the function of melanocytes.
• Stress- Under frequent physical stress like after an injury or emotional stress, the amount of melanin produced by melanocytes may change.

Types of vitiligo

Vitiligo condition is broadly categorized into two types based on how the white patches appear on the body. These are:

Non-segmental- This type of vitiligo affects both sides of the body in symmetry. It is the most common type that can affect the back of the hands, elbows, arms, feet, knees, and the skin surrounding body openings, including the eyes.

Segmental- This kind of vitiligo shows up only on one side of the body and usually remains localized in the affected area. It is more common among children than adults.

There are also subtypes of vitiligo, depending upon the extent of loss of skin color or the location of the affected area. These include:

• Localized- The white skin patches appear only on limited body areas.
• Generalized- The depigmented patches are scattered all over the body.
• Universal- The loss of skin color is widespread across the body. This rarely occurs.
• Focal- The white skin patches remain confined in small body areas. They do not spread for the first two years.
• Mucosal- The condition affects mucous membranes of the mouth and genitals.
• Trichome- The skin patches have a white or depigmented smooth center, then a surrounding area of lighter pigmentation, and finally an outer area of natural skin color.

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