Vitiligo is a pathological condition caused by dysfunction of skin pigmentation processes with the formation of depigmented spots. The disease can manifest itself at any age, but it occurs primarily in people at the age of about 20 years. Between the ages of 10 and 30, half of all cases of vitiligo develop. The risk of vitiligo does not depend on race; its prevalence is about 1% of the world’s population. In women, this disease is more common.
Vitiligo is manifested by the appearance of depigmented spots, different in diameter, outlines, outlined by a zone of increased pigmentation, that turning into the usual color of the skin. This zone predisposed to peripheral growth. Occasionally, you can see milky white spots (macula) with a clear, towering border around the perimeter. Vitiliginous spots have a tendency to grow and “coalesce” with each other, thereby creating significant areas of localization of the disease.
A slight expansion of capillaries and an accumulation of basophils, histiocytic, fibroblasts around them, death of some hair follicles, inhibition of the functions of sweat and sebaceous glands are typical for vitiligo.
Diagnosis is usually not difficult, which cannot say for the treatment of this type of dermatosis. To clarify the diagnosis, manifestations of the disease compares with pityriasis versicolor, true, chemical and post-inflammatory leukoderma and some other skin diseases: idiopathic teardrop-shaped hypomelanosis, tuberous sclerosis, partial albinism.
Depending on the localization of vitiligo and the nature of its spread and development, there are several clinical forms, namely:
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Focal (local) form, which has 3 varieties:
- Focal. One or more spots are present in one zone.
- Segmental. The spots are located along the location of the nerves or their plexuses.
- Vitiligo of the mucous membranes. Only mucous membranes are affected.
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Generalized form, which also includes 3 types:
- Acrofacial. Distal parts of the hands, feet and face is affected.
- Vulgar. There is a random scatter of spots all over the body.
- Mixed. This is mix of acrofacial and vulgar, or segmental and acrofacial and / or vulgar forms.
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A general form, when almost complete depigmentation of the entire skin observe.
Dermatologists also distinguish 2 types of vitiligo:
Type A (non-segmental). These include all forms and types of vitiligo in which the sympathetic nervous system is not disturbed. Vitiligo of this type is often associated with autoimmune diseases.
Type B (segmental). This type is manifested by depigmented spots, distributed along the direction of the nerves or their plexuses, as in the case of shingles. Also, this type is associated with dysfunction of the sympathetic nervous system.
Vitiligo diagnose by Wood’s rays, and in some cases by biopsy to confirm the absence of melanocytes. Wood’s rays are ultraviolet light.