Vitiligo

Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease characterized by white patches caused by the absence of melanin pigment in the skin. Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system perceives its own cells as enemies and attacks them. In other words, the body is fighting with itself.

Its incidence in the community is between 1 and 4%. Every white patch that occurs on the body does not mean that the person has vitiligo. In order to make this distinction, a dermatologist’s examination related to the disease is essential. It is a skin-only disease, not contagious, and is more pronounced in people with dark skin.

The severity of the disease differs from person to person and its onset is insidious. It usually appears as sharply circumscribed white patches that become more prominent in the summer months. Existing lesions may remain constant for a long time or may suddenly spread rapidly. It is most commonly seen on the face, armpits, wrists and ankles, back of the hands, feet, anogenital region, nipples, knees and elbows. If the scalp is affected, the hair in that area can also turn white. It is most common between the ages of 10-30 and can be triggered by stress.

Although usually a dermatologist can diagnose only with a physical examination, Wood’s light examination is sometimes used. Wood’s light is an ultraviolet light and this method is frequently used in pigmentation-related diseases. When viewed with Wood’s light, if the patches become prominent at the same rate as the pulp, which is the white part of the nail, the diagnosis of vitiligo becomes stronger. If there is no change in the patches when viewed with this light, there may be other diseases. A skin biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis.

Early diagnosis and treatment of the disease is important. The first thing to do in treatment is to be protected from sunlight. These patients are recommended to wear a hat, covered clothing and high factor sunscreens. Topical immunomodulators and topical corticosteroids are used for this purpose. Other methods are phototherapy treatments and systemic immunosuppressive or immunomodulatory treatments. Surgical methods can also be used in patients who do not respond to these or cannot be used. Stem cell therapies can be tried also.

Prof. Dr. Zekayi Kutlubay

Professor of Dermatology

Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty

Department of Dermatology