How do you pronounce the word vitiligo?
vitiligo
noun
How to pronounce vitiligo?
The word vitiligo sounds like vit-i-li-go
/,vɪt'əliɡoʊ/
What is the definition of vitiligo?
nounan acquired skin disease characterized by patches of unpigmented skin (often surrounded by a heavily pigmented border)
What is the definition of vitiligo?
- Vitiligo is a long-term skin condition characterized by the loss of pigment in certain areas, resulting in white patches.
What causes vitiligo?
- The exact cause of vitiligo is unknown, but it is believed to be an autoimmune condition in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the melanocytes, the cells that produce pigment in the skin.
Who is affected by vitiligo?
- Vitiligo can affect people of all races and both sexes, although it is more noticeable in individuals with darker skin.
What are the symptoms of vitiligo?
- The main symptom of vitiligo is the presence of white patches on the skin. These patches can occur anywhere on the body, and they may progress slowly over time or remain stable.
- Other symptoms may include premature graying of the hair, loss of color in the tissues inside the mouth and nose, and sensitivity to the sun.
Is vitiligo contagious?
- No, vitiligo is not contagious. It is not caused by an infection and cannot be spread from person to person.
How is vitiligo diagnosed?
- A dermatologist can diagnose vitiligo by examining the affected skin and conducting a medical history.
- Sometimes, a skin biopsy or blood tests may be performed to rule out other possible causes of the white patches.
Can vitiligo be treated?
- While there is no cure for vitiligo, several treatment options are available to help improve the appearance of the skin.
- These may include topical corticosteroids, topical calcineurin inhibitors, psoralen plus ultraviolet A (PUVA) therapy, narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) therapy, and surgical options such as skin grafting or tattooing.
How does vitiligo affect a person's life?
- Vitiligo can have a significant impact on a person's psychological well-being and quality of life.
- The white patches may cause embarrassment, self-consciousness, and a loss of self-esteem. It can also lead to social stigma and discrimination.
- It is important for individuals with vitiligo to seek emotional support and counseling to cope with the psychological effects of the condition.
Can vitiligo be prevented?
- There is no known way to prevent vitiligo. However, individuals with vitiligo can protect their skin from sunburn and damage by using sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF) and wearing protective clothing.
- Early detection and treatment of vitiligo may help to manage the condition and prevent further progression.
Is vitiligo related to other health conditions?
- Vitiligo is associated with several other autoimmune diseases, such as thyroid disease, diabetes, and alopecia areata.
- It is important for individuals with vitiligo to discuss any symptoms or concerns with a healthcare professional, as they may need to be screened for other related conditions.
