Vitiligo disease is a relatively common pathology. According to recent data, about 40 million people suffer from a similar ailment, and in the past few years, cases of the disease have significantly increased. The disease is associated with the destruction of cells - melanocytes and the formation on the skin of discolored areas that do not contain the dark pigment melanin.
Vitiligo skin disease and causes of its development
Unfortunately, the mechanisms of development of this disease are not fully understood. Nevertheless, most researchers are inclined to the theory of the autoimmune origin of vitiligo. For one reason or another, the immune system malfunctions, as a result of which it begins to produce specific antibodies that destroy its own melanocytes.
In most cases, the disease is associated with the following factors:
- Vitiligo disease can be the result of some hereditary diseases that cause a disturbance in the normal metabolism.
- The causes also include diseases of the endocrine system, in particular the adrenal gland and the thyroid gland.
- Some chronic pathologies of the digestive tract often lead to the development of such a disease.
- In some cases, the reasons lie in constant nervous tension, which leads to a violation of normal blood circulation.
Vitiligo disease and its main symptoms
In fact, the signs of such a disease can hardly be ignored. To begin with, a small spot of white or pink appears on the skin. By the way, the first symptoms can appear at any age, but in most cases young people suffer from the manifestations of the disease.
Stains can appear anywhere on the skin. Gradually, they increase in size and often merge with each other by the edges - so quite large areas of the lesion are formed. If discolored areas appear on the scalp, the dark pigment is lost and hair. Only in the most severe cases, patients can observe discoloration of the entire skin.
Of course, vitiligo disease is not dangerous to human life. Nevertheless, the disease brings a lot of discomfort. To begin with, it should be noted that due to the absence of melanocyte cells, prolonged exposure to sunlight on damaged areas of the skin is not recommended. In such cases, it is extremely important to constantly use sunscreen. In addition, the presence of discolored spots is often perceived as a significant aesthetic defect.
Vitiligo disease: how to treat?
In fact, the treatment in this case must be comprehensive. For example, to begin with, it is very important to determine the cause of the activation of the autoimmune process and eliminate it, whether it be a thyroid disease or a chronic digestive disorder.
In addition, patients are prescribed vitamin therapy. Extracts of some medicinal plants are considered very effective. In particular, today the so-called PUVA is very popular - therapy in which the skin is first treated with special herbal medicines, and then exposed to an ultraviolet lamp with a certain wave spectrum. Thus, it is possible to make spots on the skin less noticeable. Patients are also recommended mud treatment, acupuncture and a proper diet.