Vitiligo Symptoms
Vitiligo, a skin pigmentation disorder in which melanocytes, the cells that make pigment, in the skin, the mucous membranes, tissues that line the inside of the mouth and nose and genital and rectal areas, and the retina, inner layer of the eyeball, are destroyed. As a result, white patches of skin appear on different parts of the body.
There is no cure for vitiligo. The goal of any type of treatment is to stop or slow the progression of depigmentation and, if you desire, attempt to return some color to your skin.
Symptoms of Vitiligo
People who develop vitiligo usually first notice white patches (depigmentation) on their skin. These patches are more common in sun-exposed areas, including the hands, feet, arms, face, and lips. Other common areas for white patches to appear are the armpits and groin and around the mouth, eyes, nostrils, navel, and genitals.
Vitiligo generally appears in one of three patterns. In one pattern (focal pattern), the depigmentation is limited to one or only a few areas. Some people develop depigmented patches on only one side of their bodies (segmental pattern). But for most people who have vitiligo, depigmentation occurs on different parts of the body (generalized pattern). In addition to white patches on the skin, people with vitiligo may have premature graying of the scalp hair, eyelashes, eyebrows, and beard. People with dark skin may notice a loss of color inside their mouths.
Most people with vitiligo are otherwise healthy and have normal skin texture and sensation. However, the condition may be more common in people with certain autoimmune diseases,
diseases in which your immune system reacts against your body's own organs or tissues,
such as Addison's disease, vitamin B-12 deficiency anemia (pernicious anemia), or thyroid disorders, including hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.
See your doctor if areas of your skin, hair or eyes lose coloring. Treatments exist that may help to stop or slow the process of depigmentation and attempt to return some color to your skin. Vitiligo
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