2023-07-14 20:00:00
Written by Nahir Abdel Nabi Friday, July 14, 2023 11:00 PM
Vitiligo is an autoimmune condition that causes patches of skin to lose their color and lighten to a milky white color. This condition occurs when your immune system attacks melanocytes, which are skin cells that make pigment.
Vitiligo can affect any part of your body, but it most often appears on the hands, feet, elbows, knees, face, and genitals.
At present, there is no cure for vitiligo – and you cannot prevent the condition from occurring. However, certain lifestyle changes and treatments can help slow the progression of the disease and prevent the spots from growing larger.
Like most autoimmune diseases, researchers are still not sure of the exact cause of vitiligo. Some studies hypothesize that a combination of genetics, immune system dysfunction, and environmental factors can lead to the disease.
A family history of vitiligo can be a risk factor for the condition, but genetics is only part of the story. Keep in mind: having a gene that increases your risk of developing vitiligo does not guarantee that you will have the condition.
In fact, in a study looking at identical twins – who have identical genes – researchers found that vitiligo was only present in both twins 23% of the time. This shows that gene inheritance plays only one role in the development of vitiligo, as other factors are needed to trigger it. onset of symptoms.
Some research also suggests that sunburn, skin injury, exposure to certain chemicals and toxins, and stress can trigger symptoms—although research continues on the causes and triggers of vitiligo. 5
How to reduce risks
In general, there is no way to prevent the onset of Vitiligo. While there is no cure, the goal of treatment is to reduce the spread of the condition. However, some lifestyle changes can help you reduce the worsening of your condition.
Limit sun exposure
When you have vitiligo, your skin becomes more sensitive to the sun. You may be more susceptible to sunburn, skin damage, and worsening of vitiligo symptoms. Therefore, dermatologists (or doctors who specialize in skin) often recommend avoiding direct sun exposure to prevent the spread of vitiligo and reduce the risk of sun damage. the sun.
To protect your skin from the sun, the Vitiligo Association recommends:
Use sunscreen: Regularly applying sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 25 or higher helps protect the skin from UV rays – which are known to damage the skin. Choose a water-resistant product and make sure to reapply it throughout the day. .
Dress in layers: If you’re going to be out in the sun, it’s also a good idea to wear clothing that prevents exposure, such as a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and loose-fitting, but long-sleeved clothing.
Stay in the shade: When possible, avoid direct exposure to sunlight by staying in the shade. This is especially important during the brightest parts of the day which is usually between 11am and 3pm.
– Take medicines
There are a variety of medications your healthcare provider may recommend to help prevent your vitiligo from spreading throughout your skin In some cases, more advanced medications can help you restore your original skin color Your provider may prescribe one or more of the following medications, depending on your condition
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