Vitiligo. The causes of and treatment for adults and children. What is this disease, photos, signs. Folk remedies, how to get rid

Circulatory system diseases are the most common. One of them is a rare and intractable - Vitiligo. This pathology does not threaten life, but brings a psychological discomfort. Dermatologists say that the disease occurs because of some other serious pathologies.

What is vitiligo

The name of the disease comes from the Latin word «vitilum» and "igo", which means "evil disease." Vitiligo - a benign pathology of the skin, which is manifested in the individual areas of skin discoloration. It refers to a chronic disease.

The pathology appears as a result of the functional block or loss of activity of pigment cells - melanocytes.

The disease is rarely diagnosed - 1% of the world's population.

Vitiligo most often occurs in women under the age of 18 years.

In medicine, pathology is the second name - leucoderma. If it can appear extensive or small spots, which do not cause physical discomfort to the patient. Pathology can pass on their own and appear during the spring or fall. Relapsing course of vitiligo complicates the therapeutic measures due to emotional exhaustion people.

types of vitiligo

Pathology of the skin has several types. The main division is considered to be of type A and B.

1. Type A or NSV, Manifested in the form of spots of any forms that do not affect the functioning of the sympathetic nervous system, that is, does not reduce the activity of the organs and energy costs. It is believed that this form of disease occurs against a background of autoimmune diseases.

This pathology manifested on both sides relative to the center line of the body and often has symmetry. When sprouting vitiligo spots without pigment becomes unstable shape and may have periods of recurrence or regression.

2. Type B, or SV, Characterized by changes in the pigmentation of the skin in the direction of arrangement of nerve fibers and components. It is believed that the pathology associated with dysfunction of the sympathetic nervous system.

This type of vitiligo may show one or more extensive spot uncolored segments on one side of the body. Type In 70% of cases are diagnosed in people under the age of 20 years.

After some time, the pathology becomes stable character without periods of improvement. Edge stains may not be smooth. Together with the disease could be partially graying locks of hair on your head, eyelashes or eyebrows.

Vitiligo is also distinguished by the spread of stains. There are 2 types of diseases that have a division into additional sub-types:

3. Localized.

In this form of the disease spots are in certain parts of the body.

For this type of vitiligo include:

• lobular form where the depigmented areas are close to each other;
• mucous form in which the spots appear only on the mucous walls;
• a segmented shape, which manifests itself in several spots, located on one of the body.

4. Extensive.

The disease is the most common. The spots are arranged with a form on the surface of the skin. The main feature of extensive vitiligo is considered to be the size of the spots and the area of ​​depigmentation.

This pathology has several subtypes:

• akrofastsialny, wherein spots are formed on the face or hands;
• vulgar, in which depigmented areas appear randomly throughout the body;
• segmented, which is characterized by a large spot on one of the body parts;
• mixed type, which can combine several subtypes extensive vitiligo.

5. Universal.

Vitiligo is the most rare. With this type of pigmentation lost almost 80% of the entire surface of the epidermis.

Vitiligo causes and treatment of which are associated with the autonomic nervous system are also distinguished by the color pigmentation. It is believed that different staining appears in disorders in certain parts of the nervous system.

Exist:

1. tricolor pathology, which has blurred the border color;
2. Four-pathology, characterized by bright and clear color boundary;
3. Blue pathology, which has a pale blue color in the middle of the spot;
4. inflamed pathology, in which the circuit rises above the entire surface of the skin.

This division into types and subtypes help find their way in the application of effective therapy and develop an individual course of receiving medical devices.

Stage and grade of vitiligo

Vitiligo has 4 stages of development:

1. Onset of the disease.

It is characterized by the appearance of several small spots. They have a low degree of depigmentation but form a bright outline on the border.

Reducing the number and activity of melanocytes occurs smoothly. First areas have a beige or milky color, but they are almost white over time. They can also form new lesions or lesions coalesce into larger areas.

With timely treatment of medical pathology at this stage can be eliminated completely.

2. Developing.

Over time, the unpainted areas of the skin grow. May appear around the new centers of depigmentation. This step may be transient or gradual.

With the rapid development of disease for 6-14 days and the number of spots area increased by 2-4 times. With the gradual course of pathology tumors grow slowly.

Vitiligo is at this stage difficult to treat.

3. Stable.

Spots that appeared earlier, cease to grow, change color or appearance. This step may occur at any time, if the therapy is effective. But it has 95% of the chronic form.

4. Restorative.

This stage is characterized by the disappearance depigmentation foci. Stains can fully pigmented or become less visible. This stage is reached only after a comprehensive treatment of vitiligo, but it does not indicate a full recovery, since stains may appear on other areas of the skin.

Vitiligo causes and treatment depend on the degree of destruction of pigmented centers may have different degrees of severity. Remission occurs rarely, and in 70% of cases it is associated with an active immune response and compensatory ability of the body in children up to 3 years.

During this period, any form of pathology is equated to mild when patches are not bright contrast to the main skin tone due to the presence of sufficient dyeing amount of melanin, and vitamin D.

Are adults and children after 4 years are often faced with moderate to severe degree of vitiligo. They vary in size and depigmented areas affected area. For severe disease include versatile and extensive type of vitiligo. Other types of disorders can be carried to moderate severity.

The symptoms of vitiligo

The destruction of melanocytes and melanin pigment reduction of concentration form discolored portions on the skin. This skin manifestations is considered the main symptom of developing disease, but there are more specific symptoms of the disease, which allow you to quickly make a diagnosis:

• depigmentation of localized on the face, legs, arms, back, chest or genitals;
• pink or milky spots eventually become a white coloring;
• areas of depigmentation or increases uniformly connected to each other;
• discolored skin does not cause pain, but has a higher sensitivity than the rest of the body surface;
• stains can be covered with small ants;
• there is no feeling of itching or burning sensation on the skin depigmented;
• spots are not subjected to structural or external changes of the epidermis, ie they retain moisture and elasticity;
• skin folds and drawings remain unchanged during bleaching;
• general condition of the patient does not change frequently.

Infrequently may also occur and other obvious symptoms:

• violation increasing salivation or sweating process;
• the occurrence of allergic reactions to ultraviolet radiation;
• the lack of response of the outer layers of the epidermis to irritants;
• Baldness in depigmentation;
• increasing the sensitivity of eyes;
• dermatitis;
• seal certain parts of the skin;
• indigestion;
• liver enlargement and tenderness.

Causes of Vitiligo

Vitiligo, causes and treatment was complicated by the presence of psychological problems, often referred to as chronic diseases. Such a flow of pathology may persist for many years or a lifetime. Vitiligo is still poorly understood abnormality of the skin, but the experts managed to establish several causes depigmentation development.

1. Heredity.

Scientists have found that the risk of vitiligo increased if relatives have suffered from this anomaly. Also, the experiments confirmed the link specific human genotype with the development of depigmentation. In 73% of vitiligo diagnosed in the brown-eyed and dark-skinned people.

2. Nervous disorders.

It is believed that the pathology develops as psoriasis, due to dysfunction of some divisions of the autonomic nervous system.

Stress, stress and instability of mental and emotional background slow down the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems by blocking important metabolic processes in cells. Such a situation can lead to disruption of melanin and skin depigmentation areas.

3. Strong medications.

The use of aggressive agents for the treatment of severe pathologies can affect the color of the skin. Such changes can cause a certain discolored spots on the skin, that disappear after completion of the therapeutic course.

4. Hormonal imbalance.

Violations of the adrenal, pituitary or thyroid glands cause the appearance of age spots, not only, but also vitiligo. This is due to the imbalance of important chemicals that stimulate the production of pigments and necessary for the protection of the skin collagen compounds.

5. Chemical poisoning.

Melanin is a compound with a weak chemical bonds. At work or frequent contact with corrosive substances it breaks, and this pigment production is terminated.

The most dangerous substances include:

• phenol and derivatives thereof;
• catechol and its isomers;
• polymeric compounds with acrylic group;
• formalin;
• hydrofluoric acid.

6. Skin diseases and injuries.

Vitiligo often begins to form in areas of the skin lesions. At risk areas with burns, wounds and scars. Pigmentation is often broken after prolonged sun exposure. This occurs due to inflammation of multiple layers of the epidermis and loss of melanin-producing cells.

7. Autoimmune diseases.

This factor is some evidence.

Suffering from vitiligo people also have one or more autoimmune pathologies:

• lupus;
• psoriasis;
• leukemia;
• rheumatoid arthritis;
• diabetes;
• juvenile arthritis.

Melanocytes are part of the immune system, they protect the skin from environmental influences. In case of insufficient power immune pigment is not produced in sufficient quantity response, leading to some discoloration of the skin.

9. Diseases of the digestive system.

Melanin production requires energy costs and income a certain amount of necessary enzymes and nutrients. Disturbances in the digestive organs reduces the absorbability of these compounds that results in a reduction of the pigment concentration.

diagnosis of vitiligo

Vitiligo causes and treatment of which are formed by experts on the basis of the overall clinical picture diagnosed quite difficult.

To confirm the disease is necessary to visit a dermatologist and conduct a number of studies:

• blood tests for biochemical components;
• urinalysis;
• a blood test for syphilis;
• quantitative content of blood cells;
• ultrasound examination of the thyroid gland and adrenal gland.
• Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain;
• study of genetic predisposition to depigmentation.

The most effective methods of diagnosis of vitiligo are MRI and all kinds of blood tests.

All necessary tests can be taken comprehensively in almost any clinic:

Name of medical institution	The average cost for a complex research rubles.
Alternative clinic	2100
new medicine	3250
European Medical Center	2840
On Clinic	3400
Invitro, laboratory	2600
Hemotest laboratory	3100

When to see a doctor

Vitiligo is considered not dangerous for life and health disease, but we need to be examined as soon as possible the appearance of depigmented skin. Timely diagnosis and treatment of disease increases the likelihood of remission or inhibition of its further development. If you suspect that vitiligo is required initial examination by a dermatologist.

If necessary, he will recommend to visit some of the other narrow specialists:

• neurologist;
• neuroscientist;
• surgeon;
• immunologist;
• psychiatrist;
• allergist.

Prevention of vitiligo

Specific measures that help to avoid leykodermii does not exist. Multiple factors impact on the skin does not depend on the individual.

But all the experts recommend to follow some rules that will help reduce the risk of vitiligo:

• before the sun exit at any time of the year to put on the open field sunscreens;
• reduce the frequency of contact with aggressive substances and use personal protective equipment when working with them;
• do not stay in the sun for more than 30 minutes;
• use only high-quality and proven cosmetics;
• not taking medications without first consulting your doctor;
• to take a course of vitamins A, C and B;
• increase the consumption of products containing copper, zinc and iron.

Methods for treatment of vitiligo

Modern medicine offers several methods of therapy of skin depigmentation. In addition to medicines, new innovative methods. Selecting the treatment regimen depends on the stage of the disease and damage to the skin area.

Medications

All funds are assigned a specialist depending on the form of pathology:

type of vitiligo	drug Name	Release form and method of administration	Dosage	Course	Average price, RR.
Localized	Triakort	Ointment for external application	Apply a thin layer to 3 times a day	10 days	118
Latikort	Cream or ointment for external application	Apply a thin layer to 3 times a day	21 day	130
Esperon	Ointment for external application	Apply a thin layer to 2 times a day	14 days	350
ftorokort	Ointment for external application	No more than 15 grams per day. Apply a thin layer to 3 times a day	10 days	218
Elokim	Ointment for external application	Apply a thin layer of 1 times a day	determined by a specialist	79
Dermoveyt	Ointment for external application	The maximum daily dose - 7 g Apply a thin layer to 2 times a day.	determined by a specialist	465
Kutiveyt	Ointment for external application	Apply a thin layer to 2 times a day	14 days	302
Extensive	triamcinolone	Tablets for oral administration	The maximum daily dose - 20 mg.	Up to 4 weeks	4000
dexamethasone	Tablets for oral administration	The maximum daily dose - 15 mg.	Up to 3 months	35
prednisolone	Tablets for oral administration	calculated an expert	Up to 30 days	16,5
Elidel	Cream for topical application	Apply a thin layer to 2 times a day	determined by a specialist	888
Protopic	Cream for topical application	calculated an expert	Up to 12 weeks	648

Regardless of the type of vitiligo is also assigned to receive:

• vitamin-mineral complexes;
• folic acid;
• copper sulfate;
• sulfur;
• zinc oxide;
• iron preparations;
• immunomodulators;
• digestive enzymes.

Traditional methods

Vitiligo causes of characterized as a secondary disease, that is, it should be treated comprehensively. At the recommended medication folk remedies.

1. Oil on St. John's wort.

For the preparation of this tool must be purchased at the pharmacy or collect plants and flowers placed in a glass container. St. John's Wort should be tightly compacted and occupy almost the entire free volume. Then pour into the vessel is required vegetable oil.

Among the most effective for combating skin disorders distinguished:

• sea ​​buckthorn;
• olive;
• flaxseed;
• grape.

The mixture should be left for 2 weeks in a sunny place and periodically shaken. well then squeeze the oil, then pour into a container and add a new portion of St. John's wort flowers. Endurance Term saved - 2 weeks. This step should be repeated up to 5 times.

The finished oil given orally 1 tsp up to 3 times a day. It is also applied to the depigmented areas 2 times a day. The duration of treatment depends on the patient's condition.

2. Honey duckweed.

This plant is composed of a large number of iodine and bromine salts, it is actively used for treatment of vitiligo. For the preparation of the therapeutic agent must be mixed with marsh duckweed honey in a ratio of 1: 1. Means taking 3 times a day for 2-3 years.

3. Black pepper.

This tool is considered the most effective, as many pepper contains piperine - compound melanocyte stimulating work. It must be mixed with soda in equal parts and rub in discolored lesions. Discontinue use of funds only after the formation of new pigment.

Other methods

there are new, but fairly effective methods for the treatment of leykodermii.

These include:

1. Laser therapy.

Using a special device on the depigmented area pointwise or locally affecting a particular radiation which consists of folding and vibrational wave processes. The therapeutic effect is by suppressing the laser beam T lymphocytes that destroy melanocytes.

Minimum course of laser therapy - 3 sessions. The method is like for segmental vitiligo, vulgar and focal types.

2. Whitening procedure.

This method helps a little bit to adjust the color of depigmented skin a few shades.

The effect is achieved by administration under the skin of the preparations:

• hydroquinone;
• Monobenzola;
• Elokvina.

Procedures are effective, but they must do regularly.

3. Surgical methods.

These methods are radical, but are most effective.

There are 2 types of operations:

1. Donor transplant melanocytes when there is a quantitative pigments transplantation from healthy human patient. This method may be complicated by rejection of donor tissue and suppuration depigmented areas. It is used when the universal type and vitiligo lesions occupying more than 70% of the skin.
2. Transplantation of melanocytes, when transplanted with normal skin pigments discolored. The risk of rejection of cells by this method is reduced but does not disappear completely.

Radical method also does not guarantee the absence of secondary vitiligo.

4. Plazmolifting.

The patient is taken a certain amount of venous blood. It is placed in a centrifuge, which separates the plasma from the blood. This substance is introduced into the depigmented area that stimulates the production of melanin. This method is more effective than UV treatment, but has a short-term action.

5. RSV treatments.

Depigmented areas are irradiated with ultraviolet light.

photosensitizing drugs are used to maximum effect:

• Peroksan;
• Melanidin;
• beroksan;
• Lamadin;
• Psoberan.

6. Application Melagenin.

This tool stimulates the production of melanin, and secure it in the skin cells. It is applied topically on the discolored areas for several months.

possible complications

It is believed that vitiligo is not life threatening patients, but the pathology can lead to some health problems and impair quality of life.

Since depigmented areas devoid of natural defenses, if untreated, may develop:

• eczema;
• baldness;
• dermatitis;
• psoriasis;
• ichthyosis.

It is also possible to develop:

• diabetes;
• vitamin deficiency;
• myopia;
• skin cancer;
• pneumonia;
• pathologies of the endocrine system.

From the nervous system can occur depression, photophobia and complexes. Such cosmetic skin defect as vitiligo, should be treated in combination. In medical practice, there are cases of complete cure from the disease. This can be achieved by identifying its root causes and appropriate timely treatment.

In order to avoid the psychological instability, we recommend to hide depigmented areas on the open areas of the body with the help of masking cosmetics.

Author: Anna Shalunova

Registration of the article: Vladimir the Great

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