Vitiligo - UK Health Insurance

HealthInsurance Quote Line

0800 107 9246

• Home
• Mortgages
• Credit Cards
• Loans
• Investments
• Life Insurance
• Home Insurance

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I |  J  | K | L | M | N |  O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

 

[Previous]

[Next]

 

[Valley Fever] [Vitiligo] [Vomiting]

VITILIGO:

Vitiligo is a very common skin condition in which there is loss of pigment from areas of skin resulting in irregular white patches with normal skin texture.

TARGET GROUP:

Both men and women, and people of all races are equally affected by this skin disorder. The condition can occur at any age, but usually starts before the age of 20.

TYPE OF DISEASE:

Vitiligo is not infectious and it cannot be passed from contact with an affected person. In this disorder the special skin cells, known as melanocytes, which produce pigment melanin in the skin and the tissues, are destroyed. Thus different parts of the body are characterized by white patches of skin. The hair in the affected parts may also turn white. The severity of the disorder and the areas of the skin infected vary from case to case. Sometimes the patches are limited to small areas known as focal vitiligo. Sometimes they spread across several large areas of skin known as generalized vitiligo. It is termed segmental when the patches occur on one side of the body.

 

SYMPTOMS:

The signs and symptoms of vitiligo are:

• Flat, white patches on the skin
• Loss of color in the mucous membranes
• Change of color in the retina
• Premature graying of hair, eyebrows, beard, and eyelashes
• Stress and anxiety due to aesthetic concerns

 

AFFECTED AREA:

Vitiligo can affect any part of the skin but usually those parts that are frequently exposed to the sun, such as the face, neck, arms, elbows, knees, and hands. It is more prominent on people with dark or tanned skin. In some cases vitiligo can develop on the scalp, causing the hair in that area to turn grey.

PROBABLE CAUSES:

Vitiligo is caused when the melonacytes are destroyed and are unable to produce melanin. It is mostly a hereditary disease. These cells can be destroyed by themselves or by a weak immune system. A severe sunburn or hyperthyroidism can also act as triggers. Any emotional trauma can also trigger vitiligo.

 

RISK TO OTHERS:

A family history of vitiligo and having dark, pigmented skin are the probable risk factors for vitiligo. Pernicious anemia, hyperthyroidism, and Addison's disease are linked with vitiligo.

RISK TO SUFFERER:

The affected areas are more prone to sunburn and certain skin cancers. These white patches cause severe emotional and psychological trauma to the patient resulting in depression and low confidence levels.

TREATMENT:

There is no cure for vitiligo but treatments can help the overall appearance of the skin. These include oral medications, topical medications, corticosteroid creams, immuno suppressants, skin camouflage, skin grafting, and exposure to ultraviolet rays. A high factor sunscreen should be used to prevent sunburn.

[Previous]

[Next]