Vitiligo

November 20, 2011

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Vitiligo   - A chronic disease of the acquired type, which belongs to the group dyschromias . Our natural skin color provides special cells called melanocytes . They contained a pigment and melanin . If the cells are operating normally, that they have a specific set of enzymes which affect other substances and those converted into melanin. Vitiligo is caused by abnormalities in the formation of melanin in the melanocytes of the skin.

For this disease characterized by the formation depigmented patches   on the skin. The spots are white, they are prone to peripheral growth, and later merge due to the complete absence or reduced content of melanin in human skin.

Vitiligo - an ancient disease. Even during the BC people have these white spots. But a separate disease Vitiligo was considered in 1842: it was then that there was scientific evidence of the differences mischief   and vitiligo. According to the World Health Organization, the number of people diagnosed with vitiligo, is about 30 mln. People.

This disease can occur at any period of human life, but most often, about 70% of cases, vitiligo occurs before 25 years. Approximately 25% of patients with vitiligo - children of all ages, including infants, newborns. In recent years, experts note the increase in the number of people who become ill with this disease. Usually, the first symptoms of the disease occur in the spring and summer. Vitiligo, showing once, can last a long time, even before the end of human life. Without treatment, symptoms of the disease disappear in very rare cases. This disease affects both women and men, although some researchers have vitiligo argue that two-thirds of patients - women. But in Central Asia over the vitiligo to specialists more often been treated by men.

The most problematic time for patients with vitiligo - is its impact on psychosocial positioning man. The disease over time leads to quite tangible psycho-emotional problems .

Though the causes of vitiligo to date are not clearly defined, it is known that Vitiligo is not a contagious disease.

The symptoms of vitiligo

To date, there is no definite notions about what exactly could be the reason of vitiligo. The main factors that can trigger the appearance of the disease, is considered to be stress, frequent injuries, increased friction, exposure to sunlight and chemicals. As internal factors causes vitiligo - exposure Infections   and toxins . It is still not proven that vitiligo is interrelated with the problems of the internal organs. There is also no evidence that vitiligo is a disease inherited, but it is possible that there are some factors that are inherited and contribute to the emergence of the disease.

The disease begins unnoticed by humans. In very rare cases, to the external manifestations of the patient feels itch   and tingling, pins and needles or there Primary Erythema   (so-called "pink vitiligo").

The spots that appear on the skin in vitiligo have a very clean-cut, their edges smooth or scalloped edge, most spots have a round shape. The color of these formations can vary from white to milky white. In addition to changing the color of the skin external changes are not marked - no atrophy Or peeling   not observed. However, in those spots which are located in open areas of skin, and accordingly they are affected by ultraviolet radiation, sometimes manifested as skin peeling, the skin may thicken. All patients are placed individually spots, their shape is also different, the size, amount. The hair in the area of ​​the spots also become colorless. Vitiligo is manifested sometimes in places where the skin is constantly exposed to abrasion due to, for example, wearing a plaster corset.

Sometimes depigmentation   vitiligo remains unchanged for several years, but more frequently observed the progress of the pathological process in the skin, spots become more old foci merge into a single spot, but in other places there are new spots. Rarely observed the spontaneous disappearance of the foci of vitiligo. Typically, the spots stained normal color on the skin after exposure to the sun.

The pathological process in vitiligo is divided into the following types:

• stable : White spot appears, and remains unchanged for a long time;
• progressive : Constantly observed the progress of the process of depigmentation, sometimes it happens quickly, sometimes - slow;
• unstable : Some stains disappear, while other entities are increasing.

Diagnosis of vitiligo

This diagnosis is based on clinical examination and analysis anamnesis . It is also in the process of diagnosis of the doctor examines the patient's skin in the rays fluorescent lamp Wood . This lighting highlights pockets of vitiligo is a bluish-white color. Thus, the lighting helps to identify those pockets that are invisible under normal surface inspection.

Also, an expert in the diagnosis of studying the data obtained from the patient, from which you can learn about the time of occurrence of spots on the skin, a tendency to increase their size alleged cause of the spots. The doctor learns about the presence of vitiligo close relatives of the patient.

Immediately after staining can be determined histologically inflammatory response . Later, as determined by the accumulation of melanin in the outer areas of depigmented areas.

Conduct a survey of these patients by the neuroendocrine system, and also checked the work of the gastrointestinal tract to prevent worm infestation . If in these systems manifest violation, is assigned to appropriate therapy.

Treatment of vitiligo

The main objective of the treatment of vitiligo - a struggle with a cosmetic defect, and the subsequent recovery of the pigmentation of the skin. All treatments are determined on an individual basis. Basically, patients assigned a comprehensive treatment that includes medication therapy and wellness and preventive measures.

It should be immediately noted that the disease is quite difficult to treat, so the patient and the professionals must have patience.

Treatment of vitiligo includes receiving complex vitamins : ascorbic acid . Thiamine (B1) . Riboflavin (B2) . pantothenic   and para-aminobenzoic acid . In the course of treatment patients received large doses of ascorbic acid, which regulates the body's pigment. Also appointed reception of salts of copper and iron. In many cases, good results gave electrophoresis   depigmented to (0, 5% solution of copper sulfate).

Vitiligo Treatment involves the use of tools that increase sensitivity to light, is carried out in parallel PUVA therapy   (irradiation with UV light). Today, there are a number of drugs that increase photosensitivity. They are produced in different dosage forms. However, it should be clearly taken into account a number of contraindications for PUVA therapy. This pregnancy, the presence of malignant tumors, increased sensitivity to radiation, stomach ulcers, blood, kidneys, liver, cardiovascular system. It is not carried out for children up to 5 years of age and people over 60 years. Vitiligo is also treated in some cases surgically : Transplant epidermis , Carefully tended, planted in pockets of depigmentation mikrotransplantanty transplanted cultured epidermis, as well as cultivated and uncultivated melanocytes .

Reduce the severity of vitiligo on time makes a special masking cosmetics. Features of the treatment of vitiligo should take into account the patient's diet and nutrition. Thus, food must contain a large number of ascorbic acid . B vitamins . It often uses those products which contain a lot of photodynamic substances. This buckwheat, figs, herbs, rose hips. It is recommended that the use of herbal remedies that contain copper: succession, mountain arnica.

Complications of vitiligo

In some cases, the vitiligo combined with other diseases. In parallel, the patient can be observed Alopecia areata . scleroderma . psoriasis . Lichen planus . In addition, patients with vitiligo have low indicators of antitoxic liver function, chronic observed diseases of stomach and intestines .

Another significant complication of the disease - burns that occur after exposure to the sun, because due to lack of melantotsitov skin does not have the protective functions of the radiation.

Prevention of vitiligo

It is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle and to carefully monitor the state of their health. For the prevention of vitiligo should be restorative measures to harden and take vitamin complexes. It is important to carefully consider the issue of contact with various chemicals that can trigger skin diseases.