La vitiligo is one hypopigmentation affecting people of all ages, genders, ethnicities. Interest is estimated about the1% of the world’s populationwith almost one million cases reported in Italy. It manifests itself with dull white patches on the skin exposed to the sun, including hands, face, legs and feet. On the occasion of his world day which occurs the June 25thlet’s try to clarify this pathology with a strong emotional impact.
The possible causes
“Vitiligo is the best known condition, among those that involve a uneven pigmentation of the skin. It is believed to be caused byattack and elimination of melanocytes by the cells of the organism, resulting in paleness of some parts of the skin. However, this is not the only cause. They exist various kindsas the idiopathic vitiligothe cause of which is not known, and forms associated with thyroid disease, such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. There are also forms of traumatic vitiligowhich could derive for example from too frequent showers or give it continuous rubbing, particularly in those with darker skin tones. Additionally, some believe that Vitiligo may be linked to intense periods psychological discomfort» explains the Doctor Maurice Nuderesponsible of Humanitas Castelli Dermatology Service of Bergamo.
How to diagnose it
“To determine its presencealthough the spots on the skin can already indicate their appearance, there are some that need to be done blood tests, such as the dosage of anti-thyroglobulin antibodies (anti-TG), anti-microsomal, FT4 and Tsh. With these tests you can confirm or exclude any possible correlation with the thyroid problems. The severity of Vitiligo can be assessed using the Wood’s lighta violet light emitted by a lamp that can estimate dermal or epidermal damage», continues Doctor Nudo.
How to cure it according to the seasons
«Therapeutic strategies are set for stimulate the production of melanin and are performed with the use of methods that can vary according to the season. In winter, i narrowband UVB rays oi excimer laser treatments can be used to stimulate melanocytes to produce others, so as to be able to favor the pigmentation of the lighter patches. During the summer monthsmoderate exposure to the sun is often beneficial, but in cases of severe or widespread vitiligo, administration of furocoumarin-based drugsto be taken orally, or the application of specific creams before sun exposure», recommends the expert.
What results
«Generally the results are good, especially if you have vitiligo is treated from its onsetand end from childhood to young adults. It is good to specify that the most difficult parts to deal with and cure they are hands and feetespecially when it is widespread. In any case, outcomes vary from person to person: there may be total compliance, as well as cases of non-response to treatments», underlines Dr. Nudo.
Vitiligo: therapeutic novelties
In addition to phototherapy, a valid alternative are the calcineurin inhibitorsindicated for the treatment of atopic dermatitis, which perform a role of topical immuno-modulators. These new drugs, known as JAK inhibitors (Janus Kinase inhibitors), are molecules that have recently received the green light from the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use of theEMA. Excellent news, since the therapy has already demonstrated significant efficacy: the percentage of re-pigmentation ranges from 30 to 70-90%.
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