O vitiligo It is a disease characterized by white spots on the skin and mucous membranes. They arise after the disappearance of cells called melanocytes, which produce melanin (substance that gives ′′ color ′′ to our skin). In fact, some experts don’t even consider the vitiligo a disease, because it does not hurt, does not itch, does not flake and is not contagious.
A cause has not yet been clarified. The most accepted theory is that it is an autoimmune syndrome. It is as if the body got confused and “attacked” itself. According to Caio Cesar Silva de Castro, doctor in health sciences, it is not just a skin disease: it is systemic. Some patients, for example, experience hearing loss and eye inflammation – ears and eyes also have melanocytes. Other autoimmune diseases may arise associated with vitiligosuch as psoriasis, diabetes, scleroderma, lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
– (Erika Onodera/Strange World)
According to research, people predisposed to vitiligo have a smaller amount of skin cells known as TREGS, T lymphocyte regulators. Without this type of defense cell, the body is more vulnerable to autoimmune attacks – which can even be motivated by emotional exhaustion. It is common for new spots to appear after stress or trauma. Due to the so-called Koebner phenomenon, tattoos can stress the skin and cause it to re-injure.
There is no way to predict the emergence and evolution of the problem – in the same person, some spots can regress and others increase. It is recommended to avoid emotional distress, tight clothing and exposure to the sun (risk of skin cancer). Treatment may involve corticosteroid-based ointments, light therapy, oral medication, and even surgery. Complete healing, however, is rare.
The article, photos and design for this article were made by art editor Bruna Sanches, who suffers from vitiligo. She talks about how she learned to accept (and even love!) her blemishes on the blog My Second Skin.
THE DIFFERENT TYPES
– (Erika Onodera/Strange World)
1) FOCAL: Few small lesions in a specific area
2) MUCOSAL: Only in mucous membranes, such as lips and genital region
3) SEGMENT: Lesions in one or more dermatomes (areas of the skin served by the same set of nerves coming from the spine)
4) ACROFACIAL: On the fingers and around the mouth, eyes, anus and genitals
5) COMMON: On the chest, abdomen, legs, buttocks, arms, neck, armpits, in addition to areas affected by acrofacial
6) UNIVERSAL: Spots all over the body
SOURCES Websites of the Brazilian Society of Dermatology and your health; and book vitiligo: Explanatory Manual for Patients and Families