Vitiligo was described 1500 years before Christ and is derived from the Latin word vitulum, meaning small defect or mistake, or from the Greek word vitelius, meaning white spots on cattle and cows.
Is it common in society?
It is mentioned that it is frequently seen in 1% of the world population. It is known that the frequency of occurrence in recent studies is 1 in 200 and affects both genders equally. Half of the patients are under 20 years of age. In children, it is more common in girls and is more common between the ages of 4-8. It very rarely begins before the age of 6 months.
Family history is the basis for vitiligo that begins in adulthood. It is more common.
Where does it affect most often?
The back of the hand, knee, elbow, eyelid, around the mouth, armpit, groin. It affects areas such as folds, genital area and nipple more frequently.
Is the disease contagious or spreadable?
No, the disease is not transmitted. . Although it is impossible to predict how far the disease will spread, the beginning of the disease can be delayed. An idea can be obtained based on age, clinical type, rate of spread, locations of involvement, and genetic predisposition. It usually progresses slowly, and in severe cases, it can suddenly affect the whole body. It rarely regresses completely on its own.
What is the cause of vitiligo?
Although the cause of vitiligo is not yet known exactly, triggering factors on the basis of polygenic genetic transmission may cause it. It is thought to be the cause.
Although various theories are currently mentioned, the cause is still not clearly known.
Genetic theory: ; There may be a genetic abnormality that may cause melanocytic damage
Autoimmune theory: The body's immune cells may recognize melanocytes as foreign and destroy them
Ototoxic theory: Destruction of melanocytes due to toxic intermediates formed during melanocyte production
Oxidative theory: Radicals formed as a result of oxidative stress destroy melanocytes
Neural theory: Nerve cells that function abnormally can produce toxic substances that can damage melanocytes
What are the triggering factors in vitiligo?
Stress, systemic diseases, trauma, force. ;joy exposure
How manyç What shape does it have?
According to its distribution and location, it is classified as vitiligo vulgaris, acrofascial vitiligo, focal vitiligo, segmental vitiligo and halo nevus.
Does vitiligo affect other organs?
No, it does not. Vitiligo does not cause any problems other than cosmetic problems. However, in 10-15% of the patients, alopecia areata, which we call autoimmune diseases, hypothyroidism, Graves' (hyperthyroidism), Addison's disease, pernicious anemia (B12 deficiency), type 1 diabetes, and uveitis appear.
If your doctor deems it necessary, he will recommend tests related to these.
How is Vitiligo diagnosed?
White areas on the skin can be seen not only in vitiligo but also in other diseases. The differential diagnosis of these white areas is made by a dermatologist. If necessary, a skin biopsy can be taken for a definitive diagnosis, but most of the time, the appearance of white areas is clinically evident. Diagnosis can be made with.
How is the treatment?
While an average of 75% of patients recover, the response to treatment varies depending on the clinical form of the disease and the locations of involvement. Tips like hands and feet The most difficult in the regions; moderate in the trunk, arms and legs; Dark, young, with involvement of the face and neck region. and the response to treatment is best in those with localized disease.
Treatment:
- Topical or oral corticosteroid treatment
- Tacrolimus, pimecrolimus cream < li>Ultraviolet treatment (phototherapy)
- Levamizole: 2 consecutive days a week. It is given at 150 mg/day and lasts for 4-48 months.
- Depigmentation treatments: It can be applied if the remaining normal skin is over 40-50% of the body. monobenzene It can be done with cream and Q-switched ruby laser.
- Cosmetic solutions: cosmetic camouflage and make-up, micropigmentation and tattoos can be applied.
- Laser treatment: 632 nm wavelength ruby laser or 308 nm wavelength excimer laser can be performed.
- Surgical treatment: young patients with unilateral, localized, fixed vitiligo. Successful results can be obtained with skin grafting applied at an early age.