Vitiligo disease is a relatively common pathology. According to the latest data, about 40 million people suffer from this disease, and in the past few years, cases of the disease have increased significantly. The disease is associated with the destruction of cells - melanocytes and the formation of discolored areas on the skin that do not contain the dark pigment melanin.
Vitiligo skin disease and its causes
Unfortunately, the mechanisms of the development of this disease are not fully understood. Nevertheless, most researchers are inclined to the theory of an autoimmune origin of vitiligo. For one reason or another, the immune system malfunctions, as a result of which it begins to produce specific antibodies that destroy its own melanocytes.
In most cases, the disease is associated with the following factors:
- Vitiligo disease may be the result of certain hereditary metabolic disorders.
- The causes also include diseases of the endocrine system, in particular the adrenal glands and the thyroid gland.
- Some chronic pathologies of the digestive tract often lead to the development of a similar disease.
- In some cases, the causes lie in constant nervous tension, which leads to disruption of normal blood circulation.
Vitiligo disease and its main symptoms
In fact, the signs of such a disease can hardly be ignored. To begin with, a small spot of white or pink color appears on the skin. By the way, the first symptoms can appear at any age, but in most cases young people suffer from the manifestations of the disease.
Spots can appear anywhere on the skin. Gradually, they increase in size and often merge with each other at the edges - this is how rather large lesions are formed. If discolored areas appear on the scalp, then the hair also loses the dark pigment. Only in the most severe cases, changes in the color of the entire skin can be observed in patients.
Of course, vitiligo disease is not life-threatening. However, the disease brings a lot of discomfort. To begin with, it should be noted that due to the absence of cells - melanocytes, prolonged exposure to sunlight on damaged skin is not recommended. In such cases, it is extremely important to constantly use sunscreen. In addition, the presence of discolored spots is often perceived as a significant aestheticdefect.
Vitiligo disease: how to treat?
In fact, the treatment in this case must be comprehensive. For example, to begin with, it is very important to determine the cause of the activation of the autoimmune process and eliminate it, whether it is a thyroid disease or a chronic digestive disorder.
In addition, patients are prescribed vitamin therapy. Extracts of some medicinal plants are considered very effective. In particular, today the so-called PUVA therapy is very popular, in which the skin is first treated with special herbal medicines, after which it is exposed to an ultraviolet lamp with a certain wavelength spectrum. Thus, it is possible to make the spots on the skin less noticeable. Patients are also recommended mud treatment, acupuncture and proper diet.
