Vitiligo disease: causes, symptoms and treatment methods

Vitiligo is a relatively common pathology. According to the latest data, about 40 million people suffer from such a disease, and in the past few years, cases of illness have increased significantly. 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.

The disease of the skin of vitiligo and the causes of its development

Unfortunately, the mechanisms of the development of this disease have not been fully studied. Nevertheless, most researchers are inclined to the theory of the autoimmune origin of vitiligo. For one reason or another, the immune system is malfunctioning, and as a result, it begins to produce specific antibodies that destroy its own melanocytes.

In most cases, the disease is associated with the following factors:

• The disease of vitiligo can be the result of some hereditary diseases that cause a violation of normal metabolism.
• For reasons also include diseases of the endocrine system, in particular the adrenal and thyroid gland.
• Some chronic pathologies of the digestive tract often lead to the development of a similar disease.
• In some cases, the reasons are in the constant nervous tension, which leads to a violation of normal blood circulation.

The disease of vitiligo and its main symptoms

In fact, the signs of such a disease can hardly be ignored. To begin with, a small patch 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 manifestations of the disease.

Spots can appear on any part of the skin. Gradually, they increase in size and often merge with each other's edges - thus forming quite large areas of damage. If the discolored areas appear on the scalp, then the dark pigment also lose hair. Only in the most severe cases, patients can observe changes in the color of the entire skin.

Certainly, the disease of vitiligo is not dangerous for human life. Nevertheless, the ailment brings a lot of discomfort. To begin with, it should be noted that due to the lack of cells - melanocytes, 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, treatment in this case must necessarily be comprehensive. For example, to begin with, it is very important to determine the cause of 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, so-called PUVA-therapy, in which the skin is first treated with special herbal medicines, is then very popular, after which it is exposed to an ultraviolet lamp with a certain spectrum of waves. Thus, it is possible to make spots on the skin less noticeable. Patients are also recommended treatment with mud, acupuncture and a proper diet.