What causes Vitiligo?
Dr. Neo Sekgoma | Tuesday June 28, 2022 03:54
The 2022 theme is Learning to live with Vitiligo. Beyond Vitiligo, Botswana and Vitiligo lady in collaboration with Laha Hotel, Hannah Bontle Lecha, the Ngami DHMT, Letsholathebe II Memorial Hospital and other stakeholders commemorated World Vitiligo day in Maun at Laha hotel.
Vitiligo is an acquired chronic (long-term) skin condition that results in the loss of the skin's natural colour. Vitiligo occurs in 1-2% of the world’s general population, the incidence of which is yet to be quantified in Botswana.
What causes Vitiligo? Certain genetic, autoimmune and environmental mechanisms that lead to loss of functional melanocytes (the pigment producing cells) of the skin/hair have been attributed to causing Vitiligo. Genes in the formation of melanin (pigmentation found in skin and hair) have been identified in affected some individuals. There is an increased risk of developing Vitiligo in an first degree relatives or those with autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto thyroiditis/ Alopecia areata. Vitiligo is not a contagious disease and cannot be spread by touching, kissing or interacting with an affected individual.
Affected individuals have: Depigmented patches (milky white or light tan patches of skin surrounded by normal looking skin). The white or light patches of skin can range from being very small to large symmetrical patches on any area of the body. Pigment loss may also occur in the skin, hair, eyes, mouth and genital areas. Vitiligo is more pronounced and visible in dark skin.
Subtypes of vitiligo include: • Localised Vitiligo presents with one or few patched isolated to one body area including the lips and genital areas, the localised form can also follow the path of a nerve (segmental Vitiligo) leading to an entire limb, half of the face or one side of the body being affected whilst the opposite side is spared. • Generalised Vitiligo presents with multiple scattered patches on the body that have a tendency to being symmetric. This is most common type of Vitiligo. The generalised type can also be Acrofacial a term used to define a type of Vitiligo, which is confined to the face hands and feet. • Universal Vitiligo presents with most of the skin in the body being affected by Vitiligo, leaving few sparse patches of normal skin. This is a Rare form of Vitiligo which completely alters the appearance of the skin.
Associated conditions Most individuals with Vitiligo are healthy. However, there are some medical conditions that are associated with Vitiligo which include thyroid disease, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Addison’s disease, adult onset type1 diabetes mellitus, visual impairments, hearing loss and other autoimmune conditions.
Some affected individuals may experience anxiety or depression due to social discrimination and stigma at school, work and in the community. Dr Sekgoma says many of her patients report at least one experience of being stared at by strangers, being asked if they have sustained a burn or being teased at school. This adversely impacts the quality of life of affected individuals. It is therefore really important that the public, teachers at schools and health welfare educators are educated on Vitiligo to minimise discrimination. Other challenges people with Vitiligo have is limited accessibility to dermatologist and psychologist.
Dr sekgoma gives general health recommendations for individuals living with Vitiligo: • Protect your skin from the sun by wearing protective clothing and the use of a broad spectrum Sunscreen everyday • Avoid getting Tattoos as these can cause formation of new skin patches • There are no specific/special dietary requirements that need to be followed. • Connect with a support group such as Beyond Vitiligo Botswana (74179605) and Vitiligo lady (74090737), which help people living with Vitiligo to have an opportunity to share their feelings, coping strategies and first-hand experiences. • Get psychological support with a Psychologist or Counsellor who can assist with boosting your self-esteem and acceptance of your skin condition • See a dermatologist to help diagnose evaluate, treat and educate you on your skin condition. • Treatments include prescription creams and ointments, light therapy and depigmentation of the skin using prescription agents. These treatments are all available in Botswana and best prescribed by a dermatologist. Treatments help to slow the progression of the condition. • Some individuals prefer wearing makeup as a camouflage for exposed areas. In the event that one chooses to wear make-up, opt for one that is waterproof, one that can last for the whole day, one that won’t cause acne (non-comedogenic- and non-allergic.