Juliane Williams Anatomy and Physiology Block 4

What is Vitiligo? It is a pigmentation disorder in which melanocytes in the skin are destroyed.

Causes The cause is ultimately unknown, but doctors and researchers have numerous theories.  People inherit a group of 3 genes which make them susceptible to depigmentation  Autoimmune disease ( a disease in which the body’s immune system reacts against the body’s own tissues and organs Myths  Sunburn  Sudden Emotional Distress

Signs and Symptoms  Sudden white patches, mostly on the sun exposed sections of the body. (eyes, lips, legs, arms, feet, hands and face)  Other common areas are arm pits, groin, nostrils, genitals, rectum and naval. Patterns  Focal- depigmentation limited  Segmental- depigmentation occurs on one side of the body  Generalized- depigmentation occurs all over the body

Continued….  People may notice gray body hair forming (growing)  Dark skinned people often begin with discoloration of the mouth

Treatments, Cures, Prevention  Topical Steroids- topical steroid cream that must be applied to epidermis during initial stages of Vitiligo; must be used for at 3 months to see repigmentation  Psoralen Photo chemotherapy (PUVA)- seen to be the most effective method to regain pigmentation. However, it is very time consuming. Also known as Ultraviolet therapy. Psoralen is a drug that chemically reacts with ultraviolet light. This method of repigmentation can be used orally, and topically. Side effects may but are rarely severe. Doctor supervision s required.

Vitiligo

Bibliography Pictures  "Google Images." Google. Web. 07 Feb Information  "Vitiligo Treatment, Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis and Signs on MedicineNet.com." Web. 07 Feb  Vitiligo. Web. 07 Feb