Vitiligo Essay

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Vitiligo Vitiligo is a common, progressive depigmenting skin disorder characterized by annihilation of melanocytes in the epidermis, the mucous membranes, and the eyes and infrequently in some hair bulbs. The word vitiligo comes from the Latin word “vitium” meaning a blemish. This disease happens in all sexes, of all ages and of all races, but mostly African-Americans. The symptoms of vitiligo include white patches, or depigmentation on the skin. Depigmentation can be mostly found on sun-exposed areas of the body such as the hands, feet, arms, face, and lips. Other uncommon places that depigmentation can exist are the armpits, groin, mouth, eyes, nostril, navel, genitals, and rectum. Tragically, there is no cure for vitiligo, however, treatments help in repigmentation or complete depigmentation to even out the complexion. Vitiligo is associated with three other autoimmune diseases: Addison's disease, hyperthyroidism, and pernicious anemia. The pathology of vitiligo consists of white patches developing on sun-exposed area of the skin. The doctor will probably ask about medical history, family history, a rash , sunburn, or other skin trauma that occurred at the site of vitiligo two to three months before depigmentation occurred. Sometimes, a health care provider may use a Wood's light. This is a handheld ultraviolet light that causes the areas of skin with less pigment to glow bright white. A biopsy will be taken to observe the absence of pigment-producing melanocytes and in some cases, a skin biopsy may be needed to rule out other causes of pigment loss. Your doctor may also perform blood tests to check the levels of thyroid or other hormones, and vitamin B12. Vitilgo is associated with pernicious anemia or hypertension whereas his/her doctor may take blood sample to check blood cell count. Vitiligo can be in the three following patterns of the body: focal,

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