Getting to know-Vitiligo
Vitiligo or Leucoderma is an acquired pigmentation disorder of the skin and mucous membranes. It is characterized by circumscribed white patches of varying shapes and sizes on the skin. Vitiligo is a progressive disorder in which some or all of the melanocytes in the affected are destroyed.
What is Vitiligo?
Vitiligo or Leucoderma is an acquired pigmentation disorder of the skin and mucous membranes. It is characterized by circumscribed white patches of varying shapes and sizes on the skin. Vitiligo is a progressive disorder in which some or all of the melanocytes in the affected are destroyed.
Cause:
The exact cause of vitiligo is unknown though it is believed to be related to genetic and non-genetic factors. It is thought to occur due to autoimmune mechanisms.
Risk Factors:
Some of the factors that can increase the risk of vitiligo are:
- Genetics– people with a history of this condition in the family are at a higher risk of suffering from vitiligo than individuals with no family history.
- Drugs– it is widely believed that drugs can lower the response of the immune system that can cause vitiligo
- Stress– another important factor that can lower immunity
- Chemicals– people directly exposed to chemicals (painters and factory workers) are at a high risk of suffering from this disorder.
- Hormonal imbalance
- Autoimmune diseases– Conditions such as hypothyroidism, diabetes, alopecia areata, cancer or any other auto-immune disease.
Vitiligo Facts:
- Vitiligo is not fatal
- It is a non-communicable (non-infectious) disease. However, there is lot of social stigma attached to it.
- It affects around 4 % of the population, worldwide.
Vitiligo Symptoms:
The most common symptom of this condition is the white or hypo-pigmented macules or patches. They can appear as a single spot or in the form of multiple spots of varying shapes. Since it is a progressive disorder, it can appear as a single white spot which can gradually grow in size or numbers. Some of the most commonly affected areas are:
- Limbs
- Abdomen
- Back
- Mucous membranes- lips, genitals, gingiva, areolas and nipples
Diagnosis:
Diagnosis is based on medical history, physical examination and biopsy of de-pigmented patches.
Dr Khyati Dave is a licensed Homeopathy Physician and Nutritional Consultant. With Biogetica, she has witnessed many patients, who had otherwise given up hope, heal faster supplemented by our natural methods. She considers consulting Biogetica patients her primary responsibility and honour. She often writes about nutrition, natural treatment methods and diet. Her mission is to apply her medical talents to help each patient heal faster and do her best to give the immunity of patients with so called ‘incurable’ diseases a fighting chance.
