How is vitiligo treated?

 Vitiligo is a chronic autoimmune disorder that causes patches of skin to lose pigment or color. The cause of vitiligo is unknown, but it may be related to immune system changes, genetic factors, stress, or sun exposure

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. Vitiligo can affect skin on any part of the body, and the discolored areas usually get bigger with time

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. The condition can also affect hair and the inside of the mouth

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Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of vitiligo include:

• Patchy loss of skin color, which usually first appears on the hands, face, and areas around body openings and the genitals
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• Premature whitening or graying of the hair on your scalp, eyelashes, eyebrows, or beard
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• Loss of color in the tissues that line the inside of the mouth and nose (mucous membranes) 
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Causes

Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease. This means that your immune system is attacking healthy cells in your body that give your skin its color

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. While the exact cause of vitiligo is unknown, it may be related to immune system changes, genetic factors, stress, or sun exposure

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Diagnosis

A board-certified dermatologist diagnoses vitiligo by reviewing your medical history and examining your skin. To get a better look at the affected areas, doctors may use a special lamp called a Wood's lamp, which is an ultraviolet light that the doctor shines on your skin. If you have vitiligo, the light makes affected areas of your skin appear chalky and bright. Other tests can include blood tests to check for other autoimmune diseases, an eye exam to check for uveitis, and a skin biopsy

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Treatment

Although there is no cure for vitiligo, there are several treatment options available to help improve the appearance of the skin. Treatment for vitiligo is based on changing the appearance of the skin by restoring its color. However, for some people, treatment is not permanent, and it cannot always control the spread of the condition

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. Some treatment options include:

• Sun safety: Protecting the skin from the sun can help prevent sunburn and further damage to the skin
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• Topical steroids: A cream or ointment that contains a steroid can help restore color to the skin
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• Skin camouflage: Camouflage creams can be used to cover up the white patches of skin
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• Topical pimecrolimus or tacrolimus: These medications can help restore color to the skin and are often used in combination with other treatments
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• OPZELURA: A prescription cream for the topical treatment of nonsegmental vitiligo in patients age 12 and older
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In addition to medical treatment, there are several steps you can take to manage vitiligo, such as talking with other people who have vitiligo, reaching out to family and friends for support, and seeking understanding and support from loved ones

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Citations:

[1] https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitiligo/treatment/

[2] https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/vitiligo-causes

[3] https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/vitiligo

[4] https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/vitiligo-symptoms

[5] https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/vitiligo/diagnosis-treatment-and-steps-to-take

[6] https://www.opzelura.com/vitiligo/

[7] https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/vitiligo

[8] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/vitiligo/symptoms-causes/syc-20355912

[9] https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/vitiligo-treatment

[10] https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/vitiligo/

[11] https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12419-vitiligo

[12] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/vitiligo/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355916

[13] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitiligo

[14] https://nyulangone.org/conditions/vitiligo/diagnosis

[15] https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/vitiligo-overview

[16] https://www.everydayhealth.com/vitiligo/guide/treatments/

[17] https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitiligo/

[18] https://www.everydayhealth.com/vitiligo/guide/

[19] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/245081