Juliane WilliamsAnatomy and Physiology Block 4

What is Vitiligo?

It is a pigmentation disorder in which melanocytes in the skin are destroyed.

Causes

The cause is ultimately unknown, but doctors and researchers have numerous theories.

People inherit a group of 3 genes which make them susceptible to depigmentation

Autoimmune disease ( a disease in which the body’s immune system reacts against the body’s own tissues and organs

Myths Sunburn Sudden Emotional Distress

Signs and Symptoms

Sudden white patches, mostly on the sun exposed sections of the body. (eyes, lips, legs, arms, feet, hands and face)

Other common areas are arm pits, groin, nostrils, genitals, rectum and naval.

Patterns

Focal- depigmentation limited

Segmental- depigmentation occurs on one side of the body

Generalized- depigmentation occurs all over the body

Continued….

People may notice gray body hair forming (growing)

Dark skinned people often begin with discoloration of the mouth

Treatments, Cures, Prevention Topical Steroids- topical steroid cream that must be

applied to epidermis during initial stages of Vitiligo; must be used for at 3 months to see repigmentation

Psoralen Photo chemotherapy (PUVA)- seen to be the most effective method to regain pigmentation. However, it is very time consuming. Also known as Ultraviolet therapy. Psoralen is a drug that chemically reacts with ultraviolet light. This method of repigmentation can be used orally, and topically. Side effects may but are rarely severe. Doctor supervision s required.

Vitiligo

Bibliography

Pictures "Google Images." Google. Web. 07 Feb. 2012. <http://www.google.com/imgres?q=vitiligo>.

"Google Images." Google. Web. 07 Feb. 2012. <http://www.google.com/imgres?q=vitiligo>.

"Google Images." Google. Web. 07 Feb. 2012. <http://www.google.com/imgres?q=vitiligo>.

"Google Images." Google. Web. 07 Feb. 2012. <http://www.google.com/imgres?q=vitiligo>.

Information "Vitiligo Treatment, Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis and Signs on

MedicineNet.com." Web. 07 Feb. 2012. <http://www.medicinenet.com/vitiligo/article.htm>.

Vitiligo. Web. 07 Feb. 2012. <http://www.vitiligotreatmentvitiligo.com/>.