It affects men and women of all races equally

Prof. Dr. Durdu stated that melanin, the pigment substance produced by melanocyte cells that gives skin its normal color, is not produced by melanocytes in vitiligo patches for reasons not yet fully understood, even though the cells are present. He noted, "It is a disease of genetic origin, but only one-third of patients have a family history; in other words, it is not a certainty that a child of someone with vitiligo will also develop the disease." 

Furthermore, vitiligo is one of the so-called autoimmune diseases, characterized by the body's immune system mistakenly attacking and eliminating some of its own cells. For this reason, thyroid disease and other autoimmune conditions are more common in vitiligo patients," he said.

"IT AFFECTS MEN AND WOMEN OF ALL RACES EQUALLY"

Emphasizing that vitiligo, which affects men and women of all races equally, is definitely not a contagious disease, Prof. Dr. Murat Durdu said, "It shows a slow progression. In some patients, the pigment that provides color may return, and the appearance of vitiligo may improve, but complete recovery is a very rare situation.

Although it does not pose a vital health risk, it can cause patients to isolate themselves from society due to cosmetic concerns. Seeking professional help to cope with the psychological effects of the disease will be beneficial for patients and parents."

Durdu continued his statements as follows:

"Pinkish-white or completely white areas form on the skin without any redness or scaling. These spots, which are not accompanied by pain or itching, are usually symmetrical and affect both sides of the body. However, while sometimes limited to one area, they can rarely spread to the entire body.

The type of vitiligo that affects a specific area of the body develops early in life and tends to stabilize within the first year, showing a slight progression around the area. This type of vitiligo remains limited to one area and does not spread, but it is generally more resistant to treatment."

The most common areas for vitiligo are the hands and face, the areas around the eyes, nostrils, mouth, navel, and genitals, and body folds such as the armpits and groin. Vitiligo can also affect the pigment cells located in the hair follicles, causing hair, eyebrows, or eyelashes to turn white. During periods when the disease is active, there is a tendency for vitiligo to develop in areas of the skin that are scratched or subjected to impact."

"AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES SHOULD ALSO BE CHECKED"

Stating that vitiligo can often be diagnosed through clinical examination without the need for a biopsy, Prof. Dr. Murat Durdu said, "Sometimes, a Wood's lamp test is performed to both confirm the diagnosis and determine the extent of the affected areas, especially in fair-skinned individuals. After a diagnosis of vitiligo is made, some blood tests may be performed to check for thyroid disease and other autoimmune diseases."

Noting that a permanent cure for the disease is often not possible, Prof. Dr. Durdu said, "Depending on the extent of the disease, the patient's age, and current conditions, treatment is initiated by deciding together with the patient on one of many options such as sun protection, corticosteroid medications, non-steroidal medications, phototherapy, surgical treatment, laser therapy, depigmentation therapy, or skin camouflage. To support the treatment, one should avoid sports that may cause trauma, tight clothing, stress, scrubbing the skin in the bath, and contact with chemicals, and should maintain a balanced diet."

News Source: İHA