Vitiligo is a condition that occurs as a result of whitening of the skin color in some parts of the body. In this disease, cells called melanocytes, which give color to the skin, are attacked and destroyed by other cells in the body's own system. The reason for this attack is not fully known. Having vitiligo in close relatives increases the likelihood of developing vitiligo. Additionally, the risk is higher in those with autoimmune diseases such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis. More than half of vitiligo, which is seen at the same rates in men and women, begins before the age of 20. It is not contagious, it is not a life-threatening condition and it has no negative effects on general health. However, it can cause social discomfort. Some people with vitiligo avoid socializing and may even become depressed.
There are different types of vitiligo. In the most common type, white color changes occur around the eyes, around the mouth, on the tips of the fingers, wrists, knees and elbows.
Vitiligo may increase over time. It may remain the same or regress in a small number of people. It is not possible to predict or say how the disease will progress.
Unfortunately, treatments applied to regain skin color and reduce the size of vitiligo are not very successful. Creams, ultraviolet light treatments, and surgical methods may be used in some patients. Different treatments are planned depending on the patient's age, the area where vitiligo is located, and its prevalence in the body. What should be done in general for vitiligo:
Sun protection should be avoided in general, except for some treatment schemes. For this purpose,clothes and sunscreen creams can be used. Vitiligo areas become red and burn more easily in the sun, and severe sunburns can enlarge the vitiligo areas. Areas of vitiligo are barely noticeable if fair-skinned people do not tan, whereas the contrast becomes more noticeable on tanned skin. For the same reasons, solarium should also be avoided.
Do not get a tattoo to hide vitiligo areas. It can lead to both the expansion of vitiligo and the formation of new areas of vitiligo.
Get correct information about vitiligo. Talk to your dermatologist You can clarify your concerns and decide whether you want to receive treatment or not. Consider merely camouflaging it cosmetically as an option.
Accept your vitiligo. It is important to know that it does not pose a threat to your health. There are also those who think of this as a privilege.
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