What causes light spots on the skin, devoid of natural pigmentation? Vitiligo — this is one of the names of this, as yet little studied dermatological pathology, is not so rare, this disease is noted in every hundredth inhabitant of our planet. Why do some people have such a phenomenon that causes significant psychological discomfort to a person? What is the treatment of vitiligo and how effective are the methods offered by modern medicine? Together with estet-portal.com we will look for answers to these and other equally important questions.
What is Vitiligo: Understanding the Terminology
First of all, we note that modern dermatology classifies vitiligo as a pathology, collectively called "skin dyschromia". The skin tone of each person is determined by the ratio of pigments: carotene, melanin, reduced and oxygenated, hemoglobin. However, the most common pigmentation disorders are caused by excessive or insufficient brown pigment — melanin. It is the low content of melanin in skin cells that leads to the appearance of whitish spots, most often localized in open areas of the body: face, hands and legs. Dermatologists classify vitiligo as a primary acquired dyschromia.
Symptoms and manifestations of this disease
So, vitiligo — a disease that manifests itself rather as a cosmetic defect. It is not accompanied by any unpleasant sensations: itching, burning or pain. However, in the affected area it is noted:
· reduction of sebum secretion;
· reduced sweating;
· inhibition of the muscle hair reflex;
· hair depigmentation.
It is important to understand that vitiligo is not only absolutely not contagious, but also does not harm health.
However, the disease can provoke the development of photodermatitis — an allergic reaction of the skin caused by exposure to ultraviolet rays.
Light spots, once appearing, can expand, change shape and capture new areas of the skin.
Vitiligo can affect the skin at almost any age, but the first manifestations of the pathology are noted in children under the age of ten.
Classification of clinical forms of vitiligo
In the process of studying this pathology, dermatologists have identified several main forms of the disease, which, in turn, combine several varieties, determined mainly by the localization of the foci of the disease.
Local form
The focal form of vitiligo appears as one of three varieties:
· focal, in which one focus may include from one to several spots;
· segmental, for which the most characteristic is the localization of spots in the direction of the nerve fibers;
· mucosa affecting mucous membranes.
Generalized form
Manifestations of the generalized form of this disease has the following varieties:
· acrofascial, characterized by localization of spots on the face, feet and cysts
arms;
· vulgar, characterized by a disorderly arrangement of spots;
· mixed, in which there are signs of various forms and varieties.
In addition, there is a universal form of the disease, in which spots are located throughout the body.
Most likely causes of vitiligo
The treatment of vitiligo, like any other disease, requires a clear understanding of the nature of its occurrence and the factors contributing to the development of pathology. Modern dermatology does not give a clear and unambiguous explanation of why this disease occurs, having only a few hypotheses that do not have strict scientific confirmation.
Nevertheless, long-term observations allow us to identify several of the most likely causes of the disease.
1. The appearance of spots is associated with various neuroendocrine pathologies — violations of the normal functioning of the adrenal glands, pituitary gland, thyroid gland or gonads.
2. Vitiligo can develop against the background of malfunctions in the autonomic nervous system, which are accompanied by depressive states, tachycardia, arterial hypertension, dry mucous membranes and frequent constipation.
3. Some researchers insist on the relationship of vitiligo with mental trauma.
4. There are observations that allow to establish the relationship of vitiligo with autoimmune diseases.
5. Among the very likely causes of the disease, enzyme deficiency is also indicated, in which the body cannot synthesize a sufficient amount of melanin.
6. In some cases, the influence of the hereditary factor cannot be denied.
In any case, if you find depigmented areas of skin on your body, be sure to see a doctor and get a complete examination. Despite the fact that the disease itself does not pose a threat to life and health, it can serve as a signal for the development of dangerous pathologies in the body.
Modern methods of treatment of vitiligo
Despite the fact that vitiligo has not been studied enough, and there are not many cases of complete recovery, modern medicine offers several interesting methods for treating this disease. We will briefly describe the most popular treatments for vitiligo.
1. PUVA therapy methods are based on the restoration of the normal level of melanin in certain areas of the skin under the influence of ultraviolet study of the specified parameters. Irradiation is carried out after taking a special drug that helps to improve the body's perception of this procedure.
2. The use of laser therapy, during which the destruction of diseased cells and the weakening of the activity of cytotoxic lymphocytes, can reduce the existing foci of the disease and minimize the appearance of new depigmented areas.
3. The use of hormonal drugs in the treatment of vitiligo (with glucocorticosteroid therapy) contributes to the normalization of hormonal levels.
4. Phytotherapy is also widely used in vitiligo. These are mainly preparations based on marsh duckweed, St. John's wort, echinacea. At the same time, it should be remembered that the first results of vitiligo treatment can be seen no earlier than six months after the start of treatment.
5. A dermatologist can prescribe vitamins (mainly A and group B) and trace elements (since the body needs copper compounds). Taking into account the replenishment of these elements, a diet should be selected. It is recommended to eat more fish and seafood, cod liver. Among cereals, give preference to oats and corn, among vegetables — various varieties of cabbage, tomatoes and eggplant.
Of course, both hardware and medical methods can be prescribed after a full medical examination. Since the skin in the lesion is devoid of natural protection against UV radiation, cosmetologists strongly recommend limiting direct sunlight to it and using sunscreen cosmetics every time you are outside. You can find more interesting information on the website estet-portal.com.
Read also: Treatment of vitiligo with folk remedies: the most effective recipes
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