Vitiligo is a dermatological condition that results in a loss of pigmentation of the skin and hair. The outcome is the formation of smooth white patches of skin on any part of the body. In black patients the white areas will stand out and can cause a severe cosmetic problem, whereas in people with Celtic skin it is vastly less troublesome.
There are a few theories about why this loss of pigment occurs. All the theories involved the destruction of the pigment forming cells, i.e. the melanocytes.
The most common theory is that an auto immune reaction against melanocytes leads to their destruction. It is unknown what triggers this auto immune response.
Another theory proposes that the melanocytes self destruct for an unknown reason and a third theory proposes that the melanocytes are induced to die by abnormally functioning nerve cells.
Once a melanocyte is destroyed the area of skin that it would normally keep pigmented, turns white.
Vitiligo affects men and women equally and about 1% of the population will be affected at some stage in their life.
Vitiligo itself is not a dangerous condition and does not pose any health risk. Vitiligo can sometimes be associated with other conditions that might need treatment. These conditions include Diabetes, Thyroid problems, Pernicious anaemia (a reduced red blood cell count due to poor absorption of Vitamin B12), Alopecia Areata (a type of hair loss), Addison’s disease etc. These conditions are also auto immune diseases.
I will be posting other articles about Vitiligo including “What does Vitiligo look like” and “The treatment of Vitiligo”.
Good day doc.
I developed 3 small whitish/yellow patches on my abdomen and chest. I did go to a dermatologist who did blood tests to determine if there was anything else wrong with me. She suspected that I have vitiligo but is there a test to determine conclusively?
It did show that my iron levels were abit low but nothing very critical as she suggested that I continue with my iron supplements.
I am using Advantan on my abdomen and Dermovate on my chest and she put me on predison for 3 months. After how long should I see results? It does not look like it has changed at all and its been 3 weeks already.
Best regards
G.
Dear G. There are no blood test that can diagnose Vitiligo. It is diagnosed clinically. The response to treatment can take long. I would give whatever treatment is commenced at least 2 months, before considering an alternative.
Good day
My daughter, 10yrs old, developed vitiligo since she was 6 years. She has white patches on her one eye, knee and feet. We’ve been using elidel, prescribed by a dermatoligist, and I’ve discovered that it causes cancer? It helps on the eyes if used daily but the other areas takes much longer. Do I need to continue with this product and is there anything else I can use?
Desperate mother.
Dear A. The link between Elidel and cancer is very tenuous. I would however, only consider continuing with the Elidel (or any other medication) if you see a clear benefit after a few months of use.
Dear Dr. Louw
I started developing vitiligo in October 2011. It’s spread across my face mostly.
Can it be treated and if so what treatments are available.
Thank you
Dear Linda. Please read here for a good overview.
Dear Dr Louw.
Thank you for the feedback, I will contact your office and set up an appointment.
Regards
Hi Dr Louw.
About 80% of my body is depigmented already naturally. If you offer the treatment option I could come in for an appointment to further assess my condition. I have tried the most treatment options however the vitilgo reappears hence I am considering the depigmentation route.I have managed the condition for 10years thusfar.
Kindly advise.
Regards
Dear SMiller. This is not a treatment I have done before. I am also not aware of any dermatologist offering the procedure in Cape Town, but I can find out for you. If you do not find someone to help you, come and show me and we might do the treatment in conjunction with a dermatologist somewhere that have experience with the treatment.
Dear Dr. Louw.
I am considering depigmentation as I have vitilgo, do you offer that treatment option?
Dear S. No, I do not at this stage. What percentage of your body is already depigmented?