Vitiligo

From WikiGenetics

1 Name of Condition
2 Definition
3 Description, Signs and Symptoms
4 Inheritance
5 Demographics
6 Diagnosis
7 Treatment and Management
8 Prognosis
9 Resources
10 References

[edit] Name of Condition

Vitiligo

[edit] Definition

Vitiligo is a skin disorder where the pigmentation of the skin is inconsistent. With proper care it is not life-threatening although it can have severe emotional and psychological implications.

[edit] Description, Signs and Symptoms

Normally, the skin receives its coloring from a protein called melanin. Melanin is manufactured by cells called melanocytes. In people with Vitiligo, melanocytes are destroyed, causing discolored patches of skin to appear on the body.

People with vitiligo are especially susceptible to cancer, especially at the lightened parts of the skin. Sun protection must be used at all times.

[edit] Inheritance

Vitiligo has not been proven to be an inherited condition, however, approximately 20% of individuals with vitiligo have at least one relative who also has it, indicating that there may be some genetic component.

[edit] Demographics

This is a relatively common disorder, estimated to affect 1 to 2% of the population. It occurs equally in men and women of many races.

[edit] Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Vitiligo is made upon physical examination, medical history, and lab tests. A biopsy of the skin may be done to confirm diagnosis.

[edit] Treatment and Management

There is no cute for Vitiligo, although repigmentation or depigmentation are two possible treatments. Repigmentation colors the skin that has been affected, although it is an expensive treatment that is not affordable for many people. Depigementation is similar, except it consists of fading parts of the skin that haven't been affected, so that the whole area of the body is white. The decision between these treatments depends on how much of the skin has been discolored.

Many people with vitiligo suffer self-esteem problems because of their appearances. Because the disease can occur at a young age, children may be particularly susceptible to teasing from others who misunderstand their condition. Emotional support or counseling, including reaching out to other people who have this condition, can be very helpful.

[edit] Prognosis

Most people who have Vitiligo have no other health problems and can live completely normal lives. The rate of pigment change varies from person to person, and there is no way to predict how quickly the depigmentation will spread, or how much of the body it may eventually cover. There is a lot of variation between cases.