dSince 2011, June 25th is celebrated World Vitiligo Day. There are over 100 million people in the world affected by this epidermal pathology, including some celebrities – from Kasia Smutniak allto model Winnie Harlow – who helped raise awareness on the topic. Especially in summer, the attention to this sensitive skin increases even more. Let’s see how.
World Vitiligo Day: what it is and how it manifests itself
“Vitiligo is one multifactorial acquired leukoderma And polygenic, in which environmental and immunological factors play an important role. It has an incidence of 1-2% in individuals of all ages, affects both sexes and in 50% of cases it arises before the age of 20» explains dermatologist Nicoletta Bernardini, hospital medical director of the ASL of Latina.
«Skin prone to Vitiligo is characterized by appearance of non-pigmented areas of variable size, well demarcated and often symmetrical. The lack or total absence of melanin causes a chromatic modification which is expressed with the appearance of lighter, almost white skin patches.
The areas of the body most affected by Vitiligo
«I am affected by vitiligo melanocytes, or rather the cells that produce melanin» continues the specialist.
The skin sites that are most affected are «le end (elbows, knees, tibial crests, backs of hands and feet), le perioral and periorbital regions, heavily pigmented areas such as the axillary and inguinal folds, malleolar region, the sacral region and also the scalp, in which it is manifested by the growth of white hair».
Model Winnie Harlow has created the first solar skincare line indicated for all those suffering from Vitiligo (Credits: Instagram @winnieharlow)
Skincare for Vitiligo: yes to SPF and piperine
«In addition to dermatological therapeutic aids, the skincare must always include adequate photoprotection to avoid the risk of sunburn,” explains the dermatologist.
«Every day, then, one should resort to one gentle cleaning with soothing emollient cleansers, followed byapplication of sunscreen creams. Yes also to taking systemic supplements based on vitamins such as Nicotinamide, a compound related to vitamin P and B3 which prevents rashes and all sun-sensitive dermatoses».
Furthermore, “several studies have shown that theapplication of specific gels based on piperine, the main alkaloid of pepper, limits and counteracts skin blemishes caused by discoloration and hypopigmentation from vitiligo since it stimulates the production of melanin and favors the re-pigmentation of the skin» continues the expert.
Avoid retinol and salicylic acid
“A incorrect sun exposure not only can it lead to worsening of vitiligo, but also to the appearance of itchy rashes» continues the dermatologist Nicoletta Bernardini.
«In this case, the fundamental thing is to use soothing creams and lotionsenriched with ceramides, aloe, zinc oxide and thermal waters with anti-inflammatory properties, useful for restructuring the weakened skin barrier.
Besides, it’s good avoid using chemical exfoliating products with retinol and salicylic acid because they could cause a thinning of the epidermis and therefore of the skin barrier» concludes the specialist.
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