VITILIGO

A CHRONIC SKIN DISORDER

VitiligoGuide.com

Alternative names of Vitiligo

• Leukoderma

• Derived from two Greek words “Leuko” & “Derma”

• “Leuko” means white & “Derma” means skin

VitiligoGuide.com

What is Vitiligo?

• An acquired skin pigmentation disorder

• Characterized by white patches

• Often surrounded by a heavily pigmented border

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Who is affected by Vitiligo?

• 1% of the world population

• Irrespective of sex and race

• "blood relatives" of a person with vitiligo (Not always)

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Effects of Vitiligo• Gradual loss of melanin resulting in

depigmentation

• White patches on different parts of the body which may start progression

• Psychological disorders

• Does not cause any organic harm(Physical harm or disability)

VitiligoGuide.com

Symptoms & Course of Vitiligo

• White patches on the skin which may vary in size or shape (No fix pattern)

• These patches may appear on different parts of the body

• The hair present on the affected areas sometimes turn white

• These patches may start progression and sometimes re-pigment on its own

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Causes of Vitiligo

• Inheritance (30% of vitiligo affected people inherit this skin disorder)

• Severe mental or physical trauma

• Other autoimmune diseases

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Association with other Diseases

• Pernicious Anemia

• Hypothyroidism

• Addison's Disease

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Types of Vitiligo

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Generalized Vitiligo

Generalized vitiligo has three types

Acrofacial Vitiligo:– Occurs on the parts away from the center

of the body

– Affects distal end of fingers and facial orifices in circumferential pattern.

Vulgaris Vitiligo:– Scattered patches– Widely distributed

Universal Vitiligo:– Nearly complete depigmentation

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Localized Vitiligo

Localized vitiligo has three types

Focal Vitiligo:– Limited to one or few areas– Does not progress– Not clearly in a segmental distribution

Segmental Vitiligo:– Unilateral and asymmetric in distribution– Only one side of the body is affected– Common in children– Usually pursues a stable course

Mucosal Vitiligo:– Mucous membranes are affected

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Psychological Aspects of Vitiligo

• Sometimes causes severe psychological and social damage

• Can result in discrimination especially in 3rd world countries

• Can be confused with Leprosy

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Conclusion• Vitiligo is chronic skin disorder that produces white patches

on skin

• It may start at any age and affect any part of the body

• The main causes of this disease are inheritance and mental or physical trauma

• It is a non-lethal disease

• It may cause devastating psychological and social problems like tension, embarrassment or loss of self-confidence

VitiligoGuide.com