Vitiligo
vitiligo
Vitiligo is a chronic skin condition in which the skin's pigment cells, also called melanocytes, are destroyed. This results in irregular white spots or patches on the skin. The exact cause of vitiligo is not fully known, but it is thought that an autoimmune reaction may play a role, in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys healthy melanocytes.
Important features of vitiligo are:
• White spots: The main feature of vitiligo is the white spots or patches on the skin. These can appear in different sizes and shapes and can extend over different areas of the body. The spots often have sharp, irregular edges.
• Symmetry: Vitiligo often occurs symmetrically, meaning that the white patches can appear in similar areas on both sides of the body.
• Skin areas: The affected areas of the skin can vary and often include the face, hands, arms, legs, lips and genitals. The hair in the affected areas may also lose its color, resulting in white or gray hair.
• Social and psychological impacts: Vitiligo can have not only physical but also psychosocial impacts. Since the affected areas of skin often appear on the face or in visible areas, those affected can suffer from negative self-image, social isolation and psychological stress.
Course : Vitiligo is a chronic condition that can develop and change over time. However, the rate and extent of progression of the disease can vary. Sometimes the spread stops on its own, while in other cases the patches may continue to appear.