Vitiligo skin disorder is caused by depigmentation of the skin. Pigment determines color; therefore depigmentation of the skin is when the skin has a lack of color. It is caused when melanocytes are destroyed. Melanocytes are the part of the skin that produces pigments. Let’s discuss what vitiligo looks like, how it’s diagnosed, and the treatment options.

Vitiligo skin disorder looks like white patches on the body. These appear normally in areas of the body that are prone to sun exposure, such as the face, arms, hands, legs, and chest. While this skin disorder affects all races equally, it is more noticeable on individuals with darker skin colors. We have read about Michael Jackson’s unhappiness with his vitiligo skin problem. Vitiligo can appear on any area of the body and can be wide spread or just a few patches. These patches can also form in mucous membranes; these are the areas that line the inside of the nose and mouth.

Vitiligo is diagnosed through a physical exam in a doctor’s office. Since vitiligo is more common in individuals with autoimmune diseases, the doctor will perform a complete physical, including blood work. Those inflicted with this skin disorder may also have hyperthyroidism, adrenocortical insufficiency, alopecia areata, and pernicious anemia. The cause of vitiligo is unknown and doctors are unsure of the link between autoimmune disorders and the skin disease.

The skin disorder is not a problem medically, however individuals can suffer psychologically. Many people with this disorder have low self esteem, depression, anxiety, and other issues. There are some treatment options available, however they all have side effects. Corticosteroid creams are sometimes used in patients over the age of ten; however results are usually not noticed for three months or more from the first use. There is also Psoralen photochemotherapy that consists of either oral or topical medication and then exposure to specific ultraviolet lights. This option can have potentially severe side effects such as skin blisters, hyper pigmentation, nausea, and sunburn. Other surgical methods consist of skin grafts that can be extremely painful and cause scarring.

For those with vitiligo skin disorder that covers over half of the body, depigmentation of the rest of the skin may be recommended. This involves lightening the skin that is not affected to match the white patches. For all patients with this disorder, counseling and therapy are highly recommended to overcome issues regarding self esteem, depression, and anxiety. There are many support groups available to individuals struggling with this and other skin disorders.