Understanding Vitiligo

Vitiligo is a skin condition which, according to the British Association of Dermatologists, affects one per cent of the world’s population.

Awareness of the condition has increased in recent years, partly thanks to celebrities such as supermodel Winnie Harlow openly discussing her condition. Campaigns by the Vitiligo Society have also helped to raise awareness, as well as ambassadors such as Kirps Bhogal. Despite this, vitiligo is often met with misunderstanding. From understanding what vitiligo is, to how it’s caused, here we break down some of the key information regarding the condition.

What is vitiligo?

Vitiligo occurs when pigment is lost from patches of skin on the face and body. The pigment producing skin cells, known as melanocytes, have been found to be present but inactive in patches of vitiligo. There are two types of vitiligo, non-segmental and segmental. Non-segmental vitiligo often appears on both sides of the body as symmetrical white patches. It’s the most common type of vitiligo, affecting nine in ten people with the condition. Segmental vitiligo is less common and occurs when white patches affect one area of the body.

What are the causes?

Vitiligo is thought to be an autoimmune condition, in which the body’s immune system rejects the pigment cells. As a result, thyroid disease and other autoimmune conditions are more common in individuals with vitiligo. Who can be affected? According to the British Skin Foundation, vitiligo can start at any age after birth but more than half of people are affected before 20 years of age. Vitiligo affects men and women of all races equally. The British Skin Foundation also states that vitiligo can be hereditary, although less than half of those with vitiligo know of someone in their family who also has it. It is important to note that it is not infectious.

Can vitiligo be treated?

There is currently no cure for vitiligo, however there are treatment options which can reduce the appearance of white patches. This includes steroid creams and light treatment, however these don't stop the condition from spreading. You might also choose to use skin camouflage treatments to cover up the condition, which require daily application or products developed by Microskin™ which can last for several days. Managing the condition At present there is no cure for vitiligo, therefore caring for your skin is important, such as using strong sunscreen to protect your skin. Self-acceptance is also key to coping with the condition. Thanks to social media, vitiligo advocates such as Kirps Bhogal (@.a.patchy.indian) have been able to share their story about embracing their skin. After a rollercoaster journey which included difficult emotional and mental battles, he now proudly shows off his skin, advocating that, “it’s time to realise that our ‘imperfections’ are the very things that make us beautiful and unique'“;

Microskin™ is a specialised and versatile technology that has been developed to assist numerous skin conditions and at the same time protect the skin. All our products are focussed on providing choice when faced with a skin condition. Keep up to date with product release/ launch and the latest news at www.microskin.com.