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Vitiligo is a condition where there is loss of skin colour, or pigmentation. The
areas of depigmentation are symmetrical, commonly occur in parts of the
body subject to mild trauma (the hands, the elbows) and have sharply defined
borders. This is one of the so-called auto-immune disorders, where the
body’s defence mechanisms turn against itself – in this case
against the cells called melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells in the
skin.
Why
it occurs is unknown, but it may be associated with other auto-immune
disorders such as hypo-thyroidism or pernicious anaemia.
Some
cases, particularly in dark-skinned people where the disorder can cause
considerable distress, may be helped by Ultra Violet Light A therapy
together with a chemical called a psoralen (PUVA Therapy). The main
form of treatment, however, is cosmetic camouflage. It is essential
that strong sunscreens should be used both to prevent burning of the
depigmented areas (which won’t tan) and to stop increased pigmentation
in the normal skin – which would make the appearance worse.
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