|
ISSN 0973 - 0958
Skin Diseases in Children
Encyclopedia
Translate this page
VITILIGO
What is Vitiligo?
Vitiligo is a skin disorder that leads to white patches over the skin.
What is the cause of vitiligo?
The cause of vitiligo is not known. However, it is seen more commonly in patients with diabetes mellitus, thyroid disease and other autoimmune disease. There is progressive loss of melanin in the skin. (Melanin is the pigment that gives color to the skin). This is due to destruction of cells called melanocytes from where melanin is produced.
How does a patient with vitiligo present?
Patients present with white patches over the skin. The areas commonly involved are back of hands, fingers, elbows and knees; around eyes, mouth and nose; armpits; groins; legs; wrists; nipples and genitalia. Hair in the affected patch may be white also.
Is vitiligo contagious?
No, vitiligo is not contagious.
What is the treatment for vitiligo?
Treatment consists of:
Vitiligo is a skin disorder that leads to white patches over the skin.
What is the cause of vitiligo?
The cause of vitiligo is not known. However, it is seen more commonly in patients with diabetes mellitus, thyroid disease and other autoimmune disease. There is progressive loss of melanin in the skin. (Melanin is the pigment that gives color to the skin). This is due to destruction of cells called melanocytes from where melanin is produced.
How does a patient with vitiligo present?
Patients present with white patches over the skin. The areas commonly involved are back of hands, fingers, elbows and knees; around eyes, mouth and nose; armpits; groins; legs; wrists; nipples and genitalia. Hair in the affected patch may be white also.
Is vitiligo contagious?
No, vitiligo is not contagious.
What is the treatment for vitiligo?
Treatment consists of:
Steroid creams
Phototherapy with ultraviolet A light (UVA) along with ingestion of drugs called psoralen (P). This combined therapy is known as PUVA. Psoralen can be in the form of an oral drug or a topical lotion. Topical PUVA is used to treat vitiligo affecting limited skin regions.
Cosmetics to camouflage the area by using color that matches the skin area.
Sunscreen: Areas affected by vitiligo are prone to sunburn due to absence of melanin. Thus sunscreen lotions are required when exposure to sunlight is likely.
Last updated on 01-05-2005
Skin Problems
Specialist Answers
Skin Infections
Specialist Answers
Specialist Answers
On Nail Abnormalities
Disclaimer:
The information given by www.pediatriconcall.com is provided by medical and paramedical & Health providers voluntarily for display & is meant only for informational purpose. The site does not guarantee the accuracy or authenticity of the information. Use of any information is solely at the user's own risk. The appearance of advertisement or product information in the various section in the website does not constitute an endorsement or approval by Pediatric Oncall of the quality or value of the said product or of claims made by its manufacturer.
copyright ©2011 website design & development by Levioza
