Is Vitiligo Curable? Clarify this and other doubts about the disease

Vitiligo is a disease characterized by the presence of achromic patches (without pigmentation) on the skin, especially on the face, hands, feet, genitals, elbows and knees. But, it is worth noting, the signs can also affect other areas of the body.

Such spots come from the absence or decrease of melanocytes, which are the cells responsible for the formation of the pigment melanin (which gives color to the skin) in the affected places.

There are many doubts around this disease that affects approximately 1% of the population. Clarify the main ones below.

types of vitiligo

Aneline de Lima Nogueira, dermatologist at Hospital Anchieta, highlights that vitiligo is classified into: non-segmental and segmental.

Non-segment: “The non-segment form is the most common. It occurs on both sides of the body. It usually starts in extremities like hands, feet, nose and mouth. Its evolution occurs in cycles throughout life, with periods of stability and worsening”, explains the dermatologist.

Segmental: Aneline highlights that the non-segmental form is characterized by spots on one part of the body, usually when the patient is still young.

The dermatologist also explains that the diagnosis is clinical and must be made by the dermatologist. “Sometimes, Wood’s Light can be used to differentiate from other diseases. In some cases, a skin biopsy may be useful and this reveals the complete absence of melanocytes. Laboratory tests may also reveal other associated autoimmune diseases,” she says.

causes of vitiligo

Aneline explains that the causes of vitiligo are still not clearly recognized. “There are some theories that try to explain the destruction of melanocytes, but none have been proven. Probably autoimmune factors are involved,” she says.

It is also believed that emotional factors related to stress or trauma are related to the development or worsening of the disease.

In addition, highlights Aneline, family history is important, as 30% of patients have a relative with the disease.

Anelise Ghideti, dermatologist at the Ae Skin Center in São Paulo, an effective member of the Brazilian Society of Dermatology (SBD) and collaborating physician at the Nail Disease Outpatient Clinic at the Dermatology Department of the Hospital das Clínicas da FMUSP, explains that, as she has a chronic course, it is not possible to predict the course of the disease and, therefore, achromic spots may, for example, remain stable for years and then re-develop or even regress spontaneously. “The disease presents itself in a particular way in each patient; which reinforces the importance of an individualized treatment and with the follow-up of a dermatologist”, she says.

Vitiligo symptoms

Aneline highlights as main characteristics of the disease:

• Initially, light spots appear and these evolve with total absence of pigment and with centrifugal growth. The main locations are face, wrists, dorsum of fingers, genitalia, body folds, periorificial regions and bony eminences such as elbows. It usually affects both sides of the body.
• Hair can also lose its pigment.
• There may be local tenderness such as itching.

But, it is worth emphasizing that, in addition to the spots, the main symptoms are emotional as a result of the disease.

Anelise comments that, in most cases, there are no symptoms other than depigmentation. But there are reports of sensitivity in the affected areas. “The biggest concern is with the emotional and self-esteem of the patient. In some cases, psychological follow-up is indicated,” she says.

Is Vitiligo Transmissible?

Vitiligo is not transmissible. “Prejudice comes from people’s misconception that the disease is contagious. As it is a visible disease in many cases, the patient feels constrained by the fear that people have of skin diseases. This leads to stigmatization of the disease and affects the patient’s self-esteem. In some cases, social isolation and depression can occur”, emphasizes dermatologist Aneline.

Treatments: is vitiligo curable?

Aneline highlights that vitiligo has no cure. “The objective of the treatment is to prevent the progression of the disease and repigment the spots”, she explains.

Discover the main treatment options in this regard:

Topical treatment: Aneline explains that there are topical options, such as corticosteroids, vitamin D derivatives and Tacrolimus (a calcineurin inhibitor).

Phototherapy: according to dermatologist Aneline, UVB or PUVA phototherapy promotes repigmentation and inhibits autoimmunity. “The Excimer laser has the potential to be targeted at an individualized lesion,” she adds.

Melanocyte transplantation: Aneline explains that the surgical transplantation of melanocytes is interesting in cases of segmental or stable vitiligo whose lesions are few and small, which have not responded to other treatments.

“The repigmentation of spots begins in the hair follicles with the formation of small islands of colored skin until the spot is completely filled. Psychological support is essential and we must pay attention to the patient’s quality of life”, emphasizes Aneline.

Living with the disease

Anelise Ghideti reinforces that vitiligo does not bring any health changes despite the aesthetic disturbance. In this sense, some tips are important for the patient to live with the disease in the best possible way:

Information

Aneline explains that it is very important for people with vitiligo to have information about the disease, as the lack of knowledge can bring anxiety about the evolution and how to live with the diagnosis.

psychological follow-up

Vitiligo is not a physically serious disease, as Aneline points out, but it can have important psychological consequences such as social isolation and, in some cases, depression. “So, from the moment of diagnosis, psychological follow-up is of great importance,” she says.

Skin care

Aneline de Lima Nogueira emphasizes that patients should also avoid factors that traumatize the skin or cause friction, as these can precipitate the emergence of new lesions or accentuate existing ones.

The dermatologist Análise reinforces the importance of avoiding excessive sun exposure and using sunscreen.

Patience

Analysis highlights that it is important for the patient to maintain patience and reduce stress. “Regardless of the treatment, the improvement of vitiligo takes time and requires patience. In the case of children, it is even important that parents try to control themselves in order not to transmit their anxiety to the child, which would make treatment difficult”, he concludes.

Now you know that vitiligo is not a serious disease, let alone communicable. Although there is no cure, there are, yes, good treatment options in order to prevent the evolution of the disease and repigment the spots. The patient should always be treated individually under the supervision of a trusted dermatologist.

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.