VITILIGO
A prevalent depigmenting skin condition called vitiligo is thought to affect 0.5-2 percent of people worldwide. The characteristic non-scaly, chalky-white macules of the disease are caused by a selective loss of melanocytes. Our understanding of the etiology of vitiligo, which is now categorically recognized as an autoimmune illness, has made significant strides in recent years. Although vitiligo is frequently written off as a cosmetic issue, it can have terrible psychological implications and significantly interfere with daily living. Segmental vitiligo was categorized separately from all other kinds of vitiligo in 2011 by an international consensus, and the term vitiligo was defined to refer to all varieties of nonsegmental vitiligo.
Skin, eyes, inner ear, mucous membranes, and hair can all be impacted by vitiligo. The hands, feet, arms, face, genitalia, nostrils, mouth, mucous membranes, ear, and back of the eye are the most often affected body parts. Your hair may also be affected, turning white or gray. All ages, both sexes, and all ethnicities are susceptible to vitiligo. Vitiligo Vulgaris, often known as common vitiligo, is the most prevalent kind. Linear, trichome, segmental, and inflammatory vitiligo are other varieties, though. It is generally agreed that vitiligo is an autoimmune disorder and that it is not communicable.
VITILIGO AND MENTAL HEALTH:
Clinically speaking, vitiligo is distinguished by the development of non-symptomatic depigmented macules; yet, the condition is strongly associated with a variety of psychological and psychiatric conditions. Numerous research examining the connection between psychiatric problems and appearance, course, and severity of the disease has been carried out due to the emotional and social burden associated with vitiligo. Vitiligo patients have depressive disorders, stigma, emotional and behavioral impairment, sleep issues, and a lower quality of life. Furthermore, a meta-analysis found that participants with vitiligo have an equal risk of anxiety as those with eczema, psoriasis, and acne. Without a doubt, a thorough analysis of the pathogenetic connection between vitiligo and mental problems is necessary.
Vitiligo Risk Factors
Everyone, regardless of their age, gender, or ethnicity, can get vitiligo. The majority of people develop vitiligo before the age of 20.
Unknown variables may increase your risk of developing vitiligo, including:
Relatives who have vitiligo
Having type 1 diabetes, thyroid problems, scleroderma, alopecia areata, psoriasis, Addison’s disease, or rheumatoid arthritis in your family or personally experiencing these conditions.
Environmental factors, such as sunburn or skin damage, being under 20
Over 50 genes have been connected to genetic risk factors for vitiligo.
Long term stress
Three distinct forms of vitiligo are known:
Generalized vitiligo The same body parts are simultaneously affected by symmetrically spreading white patches of skin on both sides of the body.
Vitiligo in segments Usually affects younger children, and only one side of the body is affected by the white spots.
Vitiligo in one area The body's white patches start in one or two places, move and spread for a short while, and then stop.
Vitiligo Pathogenesis
One or more tiny white patches of skin usually appear at the beginning of vitiligo. This will spread throughout the body gradually over time. This could require several months or even longer. Vitiligo typically impacts the hands, feet, forearms, arms, and face. The initial patches typically emerge in these locations. They might eventually invade your nose, your mouth's moist lining, your genitalia, your rectal region, your inner ears, and your eyes.
Greater patches typically don't move for years. They might, nevertheless, enlarge and spread over time. Over time, smaller molecules have a propensity to alter, spread, and move. Each patient will experience symptoms differently.
RESOURCES:
https://www.nature.com/nrneurol/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=vitiligo
2022. NP. Malika Katrouche. All Rights Reserved.
