Vitiligo Research Papers

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Recommended: Autoimmune disease

Donna Samson
D1MA111315
02-12-16

Vitiligo

Vitiligo is an autoimmune disorder of the skin resulting in white patches. The body’s immune system targets and injures the melanocytes. Genetic factors play key roles through discoveries in association and family studies. The disappearance of the melanocytes is what causes the whites patches to appear. Patients who have the severe form of Vitiligo will lose pigment virtually anywhere on the body. Patients with mild Vitiligo, the disease may barely be noticeable. There are three patterns of Vitiligo , focal , segmented and generalized. Focal pattern depigmentation limited to one or only a few areas, segmented pattern has pigmented patches that develop on one side of the body only. …show more content…

The borders of the patches are usually symmetrical with dark borders. The backs of hands, face, areas with skin folds such as the armpit are most common. Body openings such as lips, eyes, nipples and anus are also areas that can be affected. Vitiligo has a sudden onset in the beginning with the white patches erupting quickly but slow in size or completely stop for months and sometimes even years. To help confirm the diagnosis, the doctor may take a small sample (biopsy) of the affected skin to examine under a microscope. In vitiligo, the skin sample will usually show a complete absence of pigment-producing melanocytes. Unfortunately there is no way to prevent or to cure Vitiligo. In a small range of people the patches disappear but this is usually unlikely. Vitiligo is a lifelong disease. Treatments for Vitiligo include using sunscreen with sun protection factor of a minimum of 15. Depigmentation therapy has been shown to help some patients. The therapy includes topical treatments such as steroid creams and ointments applied once daily. Protopic and pimecrolimus can be used but unfortunately carry the risk of causing cancer. Some oral medicines to suppress the immune system can stop the progression of this disease. Ultraviolet A and B light treatment is prescribed three times a week. Using psoralens in conjunction with the ultralight treatment darkens the skin to reduce the appearance

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