Understanding Vitiligo
Vitiligo is often accompanied by social stigma due to its visible nature and misconceptions surrounding the condition. Start here for more resources concerning Vitiligo.
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What is Vitiligo?
Vitiligo is a skin condition characterized by the loss of pigment in certain areas, resulting in white patches on the skin. It occurs when melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing pigment, are damaged or destroyed. While the exact cause is not fully understood, factors like genetics, autoimmune response, and environmental triggers may contribute.
Signs & Symptoms
What are the symptoms:
Symptoms: The primary symptom is the presence of white or depigmented patches on the skin. These patches may vary in size and shape and can occur on any part of the body, including the face, hands, feet, and genitals.
Diagnosis
How do doctors diagnose vitiligo?
Dermatologists typically diagnose vitiligo based on a physical examination, medical history, and sometimes a skin biopsy. Wood's lamp examination or blood tests may also be used.
Treatment
What are the treatments for vitiligo?
There is no cure for vitiligo, but various treatments aim to manage the condition and improve skin appearance. These may include topical corticosteroids, phototherapy, and in some cases, surgical procedures.
Impact on Daily Life
Vitiligo can have various impacts on individuals, both physical and psychosocial. Here are some aspects to consider:
Psychosocial Impact:
Emotional Well-being: Vitiligo's visible nature can impact an individual's self-esteem and emotional well-being. Dealing with the stigma associated with altered appearance may lead to anxiety and depression.
Quality of Life: The psychosocial impact can significantly influence overall quality of life, affecting daily activities, relationships, and mental health.
Understanding the multifaceted impact of vitiligo is crucial for providing holistic support to individuals affected by the condition. Medical professionals, mental health experts, and community resources play essential roles in addressing the diverse aspects of living with vitiligo.
Roughly 1.9 million people are diagnosed with vitiligo in the United States. However, medical researchers believe that the number of actual cases may be closer to 2.8 million because many patients are undiagnosed.
FDA Approves New Vitiligo Treatment, Ruxolitinib (Opzelura)
In September, the FDA approved topical ruxolitinib cream (Opzelura, Incyte) as the first JAK inhibitor to treat AD. Del Rosso noted its list of indications could expand in the near future. Recently released Phase 3 clinical trial program data shows positive outcomes for this JAK inhibitor in treating vitiligo and AA.