Vitiligo

Vitiligo (白蝕) is a chronic skin condition caused by the immune system mistakenly attacking the pigment cells (melanocytes) in the skin, resulting in a loss of pigment in the affected area causing the skin to appear whiter.. It can affect people of all ages. Vitiligo mostly appears on the face, neck, back of hands, etc. Vitiligo is not a contagious condition.  

Vitiligo causes 

There is no certain cause for vitiligo, but medical community believes that it may be related to the following factors: 

• Immune system disease in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys pigment cells 
• Genetics and family history 
• Stress  
• It can also potentially be triggered by trauma to the skin such as injury, severe burns or chemical injury.  

Vitiligo types

• Segmental 
  The affected area only appears in one area, and the risk of the affected area expanding is low. It may be related to neurochemicals such as skin injury, pressure, etc. Because the affected area lacks melanin protection, the skin is more susceptible to sunburn.  
  
  
• Non-segmental 
  The affected areas of vitiligo appear on the left and right sides of the body, and there is a greater risk of the affected area expanding. It is estimated to be related to an abnormality of the autoimmune system. 
  
  

Vitiligo symptoms  

• Paler patches on the skin which will be more noticable in darker skin tones.  
• Vitiligo usually first appear on the hands, face, and areas around the genitals 
• White or grey hair on the scalp, eyelashes, eyebrows, or beard 
• Loss of colour in the mucous membranes inside the mouth and nose 

Diagnose vitiligo 

Reference

1. NIH. Vitiligo. 16 Oct 2023 Retrieved from https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/vitiligo  
2. Mayo Clinic. Vitiligo. 16 Oct 2023 Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/vitiligo/symptoms-causes/syc-20355912  
3. NHS. Vitiligo. 16 Oct 2023 Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitiligo/  
4. Medical News Today. Understanding the symptoms of vitiligo. 16 Oct 2023 Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/245081