One of the biggest misconceptions in society about vitiligo, a skin disorder in which white patches appear on the skin in different parts of the body, is that it is a type of leprosy and contagious. Dermatologist Dr Jawahar Mansukhani dispels these myths by stressing that vitiligo is NOT contagious and cannot be contracted from another person.
What is Vitiligo?
Vitiligo is a chronic skin disorder in which white patches appear on the skin in different parts of the body. This happens due to lack of production of pigment by colour producing cells of skin.
Who is affected by Vitiligo?
The disorder affects both sexes and all races. However, it is more noticeable in people with dark skin. Many people develop it in their twenties, but it can occur at any age. People with certain autoimmune diseases (such as hypothyroidism) are most likely to get vitiligo than who don’t have any autoimmune diseases. Vitiligo may also run in families. Children whose parents have the disorder are more likely to develop vitiligo. There is definitely a genetic predisposition though not proven.
What are the symptoms of Vitiligo?
People who develop vitiligo usually first notice pale or white patches (depigmentation) on their skin. White patches on the skin are the main symptoms of vitiligo.
Where does Vitiligo commonly appear on the body?
It is more commonly seen on body extremities like lips, tips of fingers and toes but can occur on any part of the skin. The patches may be on the hands, feet, arms, face and lips. The loss of pigmentation is particularly noticeable around body orifices such as mouth, eyes, nostrils, genetalia.
Do the Vitiligo patches spread over time?
There is no way to tell if vitiligo will spread. The disorder is usually progressive, and over time the white patches will spread to other areas of the body. For some people, the white patches may remain stable and do not spread. But for others it may spread at a variable speed to other areas of the body. The patches are initially small, but often grow and change shape.
Some people have reported additional depigmentation following periods of physical or emotional stress.
Does Vitiligo cause premature graying of hair?
Yes, people with vitiligo may have premature graying of the scalp hair, eyelashes, eyebrows and beard. People with dark skin may notice a loss of colour inside their mouths.
What treatment options are available for Vitiligo? Can it be cured?
There is no cure for vitiligo but several treatment options are available. In early stage the control and reversal of discolouration is good, but can recur if triggering factors persist. The choice of treatment depends on the number of white patches, how widespread the patches are and the treatment the person prefers to use. Some treatments are not right for everyone. Many treatments can have unwanted side effects. Treatments can take a long time and sometimes they don’t work. Current treatment options for vitiligo include medical (oral medicines), surgical (skin grafts) and other treatments (sunscreens). Most treatments are aimed at restoring colour to the white patches of skin.
Is there anything that can be done to stop depigmentation?
Various preventive and treatment modalities are available to check depigmentation again.
Is vitiligo contagious?
Vitiligo is NOT contagious and cannot be contracted from another person. It cannot be transmitted via touch, saliva, blood, inhalation, sexual intercourse or the sharing of person items (like drink bottles, towels, etc). It is a genetic disease, caused by inheritance of multiple causal genes simultaneously, plus exposure to environmental risk factors. One can't pass on the condition to spouse by contact.
Is it a hereditary disease?
Children whose parents have the disorder are more likely to develop vitiligo. There is definitely a genetic predisposition though no proven.
How can people cope with the emotional and psychological aspects of Vitiligo?
The change in appearance caused by vitiligo can impact the individual’s emotional and psychological well-being. They may experience stress, particularly if the depigmentation develops in visible areas of the body such as face, hands, arms or feet. Acceptance of the fact that it is more of a cosmetic problem, and not as threatening as cancer, AIDS, diabetes or polio, can help cope with the condition better.
What is the extent of prevalence of Vitiligo in India?
Upto 0.1%, with regional variations.
Are Vitiligo and Leucoderma the same?
Generally synonymous though leukoderma includes depigmented conditions secondary to other skin diseases.
Does Vitiligo result in other health complications?
Vitiligo may be associated with other auto immune conditions like diabetes (Diabetes skin complications), hypothyroidism (also sometimes referred to as Hashimoto's Thyroiditis), etc..
Dr Jawahar Mansukhani is a consultant dermatologist at Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai.
