Vitiligo

What is VITILIGO (ALACA DISEASE)?

Vitiligo is a skin disorder of unknown origin, where white areas of pigment loss are seen. Most parts of the body, including the face, lips, hands, arms, legs and genital areas, may be affected. It is seen in 1% of the world population and equally affects male, female and all races.

Who Is Vitiligo?

Vitiligo; from infancy to old age can be seen at any age.

Is Vitiligo Contagious?

Vitiligo is not contagious.

What are the causes of vitiligo?

The pigment called melanin; It determines the skin, hair and eye color and is produced in cells called melanocytes. If these cells disappear or cannot produce melanin, the skin becomes lighter.

How is Vitiligo formed?

In vitiligo, the body makes autoantibodies against their melanocytes and damages them. Other autoimmune diseases may occur simultaneously with vitiligo.

How to diagnose vitiligo?

White areas of the skin can be seen not only in vitiligo but also in other diseases. The differential diagnosis of these white areas is done by a dermatologist.

Is it a disease with vitiligo treatment?

Vitiligo is a treatable disease, but the exact cause of vitiligo is unknown, so the results of treatment may vary.

What are the Considerations for Vitiligo?

The most important factor that vitiligo patients should be aware of is to protect from the sun. Because in patients with vitiligo sensitivity to the sun occurs and may cause aggravation of the disease.

TREATMENT TREATMENT

Cortisone creams: Suitable for age and involvement, especially in the early period cortisone creams are useful. However, for a long time, the use of non-Dermatologist uncontrolled skin thinning, vascularization, acne, hair can occur many side effects, such as.

Creams containing tacrolimus and pimecrolimus: can be used for treatment.

Phototherapy (Light therapy): Treatment using different wavelengths of ultraviolet light.

Sun protection: White areas in vitiligo can easily burn in the sun, so sunscreen creams with at least 30 sun protection factors should be used continuously.