Normally, the color of hair and skin is determined by the pigment called melanin. Vitiligo occurs when the cells that produce melanin lose their function or die. This condition can affect all skin types; however, white spots may be more noticeable in dark-skinned individuals. Vitiligo is an immune system disease that manifests itself as white spots on the skin. The spread of the disease can vary depending on the type of vitiligo and individual characteristics; it can spread throughout the body or only remain in certain areas. Vitiligo can negatively affect a person’s aesthetic appearance and psychological state.
What is vitiligo?
Vitiligo is a disease that develops under the influence of autoimmune, genetic and environmental factors, manifesting itself in the form of white spots and patches on the skin. It is known among the public as “ala” or “alaca” disease. Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system recognizes the body’s own cells as foreign and attacks them; in other words, the body fights against itself, which makes the treatment process difficult. Each individual’s disease process may differ.
In addition to vitiligo, other autoimmune diseases such as diabetes, celiac disease, psoriasis and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis are present and vitiligo may accompany these diseases.
In vitiligo, immune cells attack the melanocyte cells that give color to the skin. The disease only affects the skin and is not contagious. It usually occurs between the ages of 10 and 30.
What causes vitiligo?
It is not known why the immune system does this as a result of this disease, which occurs with a gene mutation.
What are the symptoms of vitiligo?
First of all, it is necessary to answer the question “How does vitiligo begin?” This disease is suspected when white spots form and spread on the skin. Vitiligo symptoms show themselves as partial color loss and white patches on the skin. Early graying or greying can be seen in the scalp, eyelashes, eyebrows and beard. In addition, there may be color loss in the mucous membranes covering the inside of the mouth and nose. There may be abnormal color changes in the retina of the eye. In vitiligo, the white spots on the skin are much lighter and more visible than normal skin color, creating an appearance as if there has been peeling of the skin.
How is vitiligo treated?
The methods used in the treatment of vitiligo are as follows: