Vitiligo Symptoms And Treatment
Posted on February 5th, 2010
Vitiligo is a skin condition in which light colored patches develop on areas of the skin. This occurs as a result of depigmentation (lack of pigment) in the affected areas. In its initial stages, symptoms of vitiligo are oftentimes followed by a period where there seem to be no progression of the condition. Later on however, additional signs of pigment loss become apparent.
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While the condition is not accompanied by pain or itching, it can be a source of distress, especially for individuals of dark complexion. These light patches are more easily seen on darker skin. Vitiligo symptoms, in individuals of lighter complexion, may be evident only in the winter time, when the affected skin stands out against the skin areas that have been tanned.
The patches are common on areas more exposed to sun light such as the face, neck, hands and genitals. Sun burns are common symptoms of vitiligo, as patches are usually sensitive to sun exposure. Other areas often affected are the inside of the mouth and nose. In extreme cases, vitiligo can develop on the scalp, causing the hair in the affected area to turn white or grey and may even fall out.
Symptoms of vitiligo often appear on both sides of the body (symmetrical patches). These patches are commonly present on the arms, knees, elbows, eyes and on the back of the hands. In other cases, only one half of the body is affected. Vitiligo may also spread over the entire body in rare cases.
Determining whether these patches will spread and how fast they may spread, can be tricky. It is reasonable to anticipate the appearance of more of these patches. For some individuals, this happens quicker than it does for others. Generally, if the patches appear symmetrically on more than one areas of the body, the conditions may progress slowly. Usually when the patches are present on only one area of the body, the condition may progress more rapidly.
In making a diagnosis, a physical examination is required. In a dark room, using Ultraviolet light, the doctor will observe the affected areas. With the presence of vitiligo, there will be no color and the skin will appear white, without pigment. The doctor may also remove tissue or cells from the body for analysis.
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