|
Versions
|
|
VITILIGO
Vitiligo is also medically known as achromia, which means loss of color. It is basically one of the main types of skin hypopigmentation. Vitiligo is an acquired skin disorder in which irregular white patches of skin appear on different parts of the body.
The pigment that human cells produce is called melanin. When cells die or are unable to hold melanin, a person has vitiligo. Many experts believe that vitiligo is the result of one or a combination of genetic, immunologic, biochemical and neurogenic factors.
FEATURES
The disease is characterised by the appearance of patchy loss of skin pigmentation, may vary from a single white spot to multiple spots. In some cases generalized de-pigmentation observed all over the body common in sun exposed areas like hands, feet, face. Other common areas include armpits, groin, eyes, nostrils, and genitals. Inclusive of children age group, vitiligo affects men and women of all race and age equally. Most people with vitiligo do not have a family history of the disorder. It may begin at any age. Vitiligo is mostly observed in the first and second decade of life e.g most of people develop it before age 36.
ASSOCIATED DISORDERS
Vitiligo is an autoimmune condition. The nervous system and the immune system work in close interaction. The brain regulates the activity of the immune system. Because of this autoimmune disorders are affected by emotional factors and stress. Theories suggesting causes like autoimmune link, hormonal connection, genetic tendencies result in vitiligo.
Aberration of immune surveillance results in melanocyte dysfunction or destruction.
A neurochemical mediator destroys melanocytes or inhibits melanin production.
An intermediate or metabolic product of melanin synthesis causes melanocyte destruction.
Melanocytes have an inherent abnormality that impedes their growth and differentiation in conditions that support normal melanocytes.
There are certain auto-immune diseases which are associated with Vitiligo like Hyper Thyroidism. Adrenocortical Insufficiency.
Alopecia Aerate, Pernicious Anaemia (a low level of Haemoglobin caused by the failure of the body to absorb Vitamin B12). Diabetes Mellitus, Psoriasis.
Several systemic diseases, which are at times associated with vitiligo.
SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) .
Pernicious Anemia.
Addison's Disease .
Collegen Diseases.
Grave's Disease .
PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECT
A healthy normal skin is essential for a person's physical and mental well being. The skin is the largest and most visible organ of the human body. Basically vitiligo does not kill the body, but it kills the spirit. Depigmentation, scars and psoriasis can erode your confidence. Vitiligo can cause extreme distress to sufferers because of its unusual appearance. Many of whom stigmatized by their condition. Persons with Vitiligo has internalized some complexes (ex. importance of appearance). Vitiligo sufferers can be related to fear of negative evaluation, anxiety, and depression. As a result, everyday activities may be affected.
It may be noted that the sufferers of Vitiligo need not be unduly scared of the above disease conditions, as they shold not be regarded as the complications of Vitiligo in every case.
|
|
|
|
|
