User:Mr. Ibrahem/Vitiligo
| Vitiligo | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Non-segmental vitiligo of the hand | |
| Pronunciation | |
| Specialty | Dermatology |
| Symptoms | Patches of white skin[1] |
| Usual onset | Childhood, young adult[1] |
| Duration | Long term[1] |
| Causes | Unknown[2] |
| Risk factors | Family history, other autoimmune diseases[3] |
| Diagnostic method | Tissue biopsy[3] |
| Treatment | Sunscreen, makeup, topical corticosteroids, phototherapy[2][3] |
| Frequency | 1% of people[4] |
Vitiligo is a long-term skin condition characterized by patches of the skin losing their pigment.[1] The patches of skin affected become white and usually have sharp margins.[2] The hair from the skin may also become white.[2] The inside of the mouth and nose may also be involved.[3] Typically both sides of the body are affected.[2] Often the patches begin on areas of skin that are exposed to the sun.[3] It is more noticeable in people with dark skin.[3] Vitiligo may result in psychological stress and those affected may be stigmatized.[2]
The exact cause of vitiligo is unknown.[2] It is believed to be due to genetic susceptibility that is triggered by an environmental factor such that an autoimmune disease occurs.[2][3] This results in the destruction of skin pigment cells.[3] Risk factors include a family history of the condition or other autoimmune diseases, such as hyperthyroidism, alopecia areata, and pernicious anemia.[3] It is not contagious.[5] Vitiligo is classified into two main types: segmental and non-segmental.[2] Most cases are non-segmental, meaning they affect both sides; and in these cases, the affected area of the skin typically expands with time.[2] About 10% of cases are segmental, meaning they mostly involve one side of the body; and in these cases, the affected area of the skin typically does not expand with time.[2] Diagnosis can be confirmed by tissue biopsy.[3]
There is no known cure for vitiligo.[2] For those with light skin, sunscreen and makeup are all that is typically recommended.[2] Other treatment options may include steroid creams or phototherapy to darken the light patches.[3] Alternatively, efforts to lighten the unaffected skin, such as with hydroquinone, may be tried.[3] Several surgical options are available for those who do not improve with other measures.[3] A combination of treatments generally has better outcomes.[4] Counselling to provide emotional support may be useful.[2]
Globally about 1% of people are affected by vitiligo.[4] In some populations it affects as many as 2–3%.[6] Males and females are equally affected.[2] About half show the disorder before age 20 and most develop it before age 40.[2] Vitiligo has been described since ancient history.[2]
References[edit]
- ^ a b c d James, William D.; Elston, Dirk; Treat, James R.; Rosenbach, Misha A.; Neuhaus, Isaac (2020). "36. Disturbances of pigmentation". Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology (13th ed.). Edinburgh: Elsevier. p. 871-874. ISBN 978-0-323-54753-6. Archived from the original on 2 July 2023. Retrieved 4 May 2023.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q Ezzedine, K; Eleftheriadou, V; Whitton, M; van Geel, N (4 July 2015). "Vitiligo". Lancet. 386 (9988): 74–84. doi:10.1016/s0140-6736(14)60763-7. PMID 25596811.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m "Questions and Answers about Vitiligo". NIAMS. June 2014. Archived from the original on 21 August 2016. Retrieved 11 August 2016.
- ^ a b c Whitton, M; Pinart, M; Batchelor, JM; et al. (May 2016). "Evidence-based management of vitiligo: summary of a Cochrane systematic review". The British Journal of Dermatology. 174 (5): 962–69. doi:10.1111/bjd.14356. PMID 26686510.
- ^ Chopra, Parul; Niyogi, Rageshree; Katyal, Gauri (2009). Skin and Hair Care: Your Questions Answered. Byword Books Private Limited. p. 2. ISBN 978-8181930378. Archived from the original on 23 March 2017.
- ^ Krüger C; Schallreuter KU (October 2012). "A review of the worldwide prevalence of vitiligo in children/adolescents and adults". Int J Dermatol. 51 (10): 1206–12. arXiv:0706.4406. doi:10.1111/j.1365-4632.2011.05377.x. PMID 22458952.