Vitiligo is a skin disorder that leads to loss of skin and hair color in patches and blotches. Loss of color extent and its rate is not predictable. It can affect any area or any part of the body including hair as well as inside of the mouth.
The skin, eye and hair color is determined by a pigment called melanin. Vitiligo happens when cells producing melanin may die or stop functioning. The disorder is not that life-threatening or contagious but makes a person feel stressful and leads to low self- esteem.
Treatment although may heal and restore the affected area but it really cannot prevent continued and slow loss of skin color and its recurrence.
Vitiligo symptoms include:
Vitiligo can start at any age and appear before 20. The patches may cover the body including:
Medical history and exam
In case if you feel you have vitiligo you should visit your doctor. In that case your doctor might advise you for medical history and examine you. He would try to diagnose other skin problems like dermatitis and skin disorders. Your doctor might use a lamp for ultra violet to shine on the affected skin to determine vitiligo.
Skin biopsy and blood draw
In addition to above the doctor might even gather your personal and family history for diagnosing your skin problem.