Vitiligo is a debilitating, chronic condition that is linked to various causes. As it progresses, vitiligo may cause other health complications.
Vitiligo is a skin condition that causes the loss of pigment in certain areas of the body. It most commonly affects the skin on the hands, feet, and face, but it can also affect other areas, such as the arms and legs.
Vitiligo can be caused by stressful events, trauma to the skin, or autoimmune conditions. The condition can also be triggered by some medications and by exposure to certain chemicals in the environment.
Some of the Causes of Vitiligo1
1. Vitiligo may be a genetic condition that can be passed from parents to children.
2. Stress can cause vitiligo in some people, although it is not clear exactly why.
3. Trauma to the skin, such as a burn or after an injury, can trigger vitiligo in some people.
4. Exposure to certain chemicals2 can trigger vitiligo.
Complications of Vitiligo
Some of the most common complications of vitiligo include:
Skin Discoloration
This is probably the most obvious complication. The skin loses its natural color in some spots and becomes lighter or even completely depigmented.
Sun Sensitivity
The lack of pigmentation in the skin may make the skin more susceptible to sunburns and other damage caused by UV rays. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or more when outdoors to protect the skin.3
Hair Loss or Thinning
This happens due to stress on hair follicles caused by discoloration changes (this is more common in cases where vitiligo affects only small areas like hands or feet).
Physical and Emotional Effects
Vitiligo can cause other physical changes in the skin, including premature graying of the hair1 and delayed wound healing.4 In addition, vitiligo can be psychologically draining because it is a visible condition that may trigger feelings of embarrassment.
When to See a Doctor:
You should see a doctor if you suspect you may have vitiligo. Your doctor needs to confirm the diagnosis and rule out any other conditions that are known to cause skin pigmentation changes. The doctor may also be able to provide medical advice on protecting the skin and coping with the condition.
Sources:
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, May 4). Vitiligo. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved September 30, 2022, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/vitiligo/symptoms-causes/syc-20355912
Shakshouk, H., & Lehman, J. S. (2020, June 1). Chemical-associated vitiligo. Mayo Clinic Proceedings. Retrieved September 30, 2022, from https://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/article/S0025-6196(20)30160-9/fulltext
Vitiligo Discomfort stops with sunscreen use. American Academy of Dermatology. (n.d.). Retrieved September 30, 2022, from https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/vitiligo-discomfort-stops-with-sunscreen
Gupta, A., Chauhan, A., Priya, A., Mantri, B., Wadhokar, M., Dalave, K., Shah, B., Gokhale, R. S., Batra, V. V., & Singh, A. (2020). Lesional skin in vitiligo exhibits delayed in vivo reepithelialization compared to the nonlesional skin. Wound Repair and Regeneration, 28(3), 307–314. https://doi.org/10.1111/wrr.12798
