Vitiligo is a condition of unknown etiology characterized by depigmented patches in the skin which retains its normal texture. (By Sneddon, I.B)
Vitiligo symptoms are:
- White spots or patches on skin.
- Usually the first white patch develops on those body parts that are exposed to sun lights.
- Changing color of hairs.
- The depigmentation also effects on the mucous membrane that is coating inside of the mouth.
- Retina of the eye is also affected due to vitiligo.
The various factors that can be considered causes of vitiligo along with depigmentation are Heredity (family history of vitiligo), immune system disorder, skin dehydration due to lacking of nutritional factors, stress, thyroxine deficiency, adrenaline deficiency, physical injury, chronic irritation, sunburn etc.
There is no need of doing medical tests to diagnose a vitiligo disease. The appearance of white patches simply tells that a person is suffering from vitiligo. Many patients at a same time indulge in many other diseases along with vitiligo, for those physician recommends many tests, some of these tests are given below:
- Antinuclear Antibody Test: To verify that patient immune system is correct or not, physician takes this test.
- Thyroid peroxides antibody: Thyroid antibody testing is help full to diagnose an autoimmune thyroid disease.
- Comprehensive metabolic panel: Is used to measure the sugar level, kidney or liver functions.
- 25-Hydroxy-Vitamin D: It is used to determine different disease arising due to the deficiency of vitamin D, like bone weakness, bone malformation etc.
- Folate/B12: To help to diagnose the anemia
Thankfully answer is in no… Vitiligo is not contagious. It cannot spread by touching someone or through by handling personal belongings.
Vitiligo can have marvelous impact on the patient’s psychological level. A patient of vitiligo experience a range of emotional feelings, including stress, shock, shame, embarrassment, guilt, depression, tension, anxiety etc. A vitiligo patient takes no time to loss his confidence and self esteem.
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