White Spot On The Skin? Recognize The Symptoms Of Vitiligo And Its Handling

JAKARTA - White spots on the skin, especially on the face, hands, or other parts of the body, often cause curiosity and worry. Many people wonder, is this condition dangerous or contagious?

In fact, the white spots are a sign of vitiligo, which is a skin pigment disorder that causes the skin to lose its natural color and becomes brighter or whiter. Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the immune system attacks the melanocyte, which is a cell that functions to produce skin tone.

Reporting from The Sun's page, about 0.5% to 1% of the world's population live with this condition. White spots usually appear symmetrically, such as on both hands or both feet. But it can also appear in other areas such as hair, the inside of the nose, or the mouth.

Although vitiligo does not cause physical pain, its emotional impact can be enormous, especially for those with darker skin tones. This condition can be experienced by anyone regardless of gender, race, or age.

Vitiligo is an autoimmune skin disease that causes the skin to lose its natural color due to the attack of the immune system on pigment-producing cells.

Until now, the exact cause of the vitiligo has not been fully understood. However, experts believe that the main factor is a combination of genetics and environmental triggers.

The study shows that about half of people with vitiligo experience this condition before the age of 20, and some have a family history with the same disease. Vitiligo is also often associated with other health disorders such as diabetes, thyroid disease, pernisiosoidal anemia, and pulsational disease.

Vitiligo is divided into several types, namely:

- The vitiligo segment only attacks one side of the body.

- Generalized vitiligo are attacking some parts of the body (most generally).

- Acrofacial vitiligo appears primarily in the face and hands.

- Universal vitiliome affects almost the entire surface of the skin.

Currently, there is no drug that can completely cure vitiligo or stop the loss of pigment. However, there are several treatments that can help improve the appearance of the skin, reduce the area of white spots, and stimulate the return of the skin's natural color.

Medical options can include drugs, light therapy (phototherapy), or surgery, depending on the patient's age, the area of the affected area, severity, and the impact on daily life.

1. Kortikosteroid

This group of drugs helps suppress the immune system so as not to continue to attack melanocytes and also control inflammation. For mild vitiligo, doctors usually predicate topical corticosteroids such as betamethasone.

For heavier cases, oral corticosteroids or injections such as prednisolone or dexamethasone can be used.

However, long-term use can cause side effects such as acne, weight gain, rounding face, difficulty sleeping, thinning skin, and the appearance of stretch marks.

2. Calcineurin Inhibitors

Drugs such as tacrolimus and pimecrolimus work by suppressing immune reactions against melanocytes and helping the cells of pigment to grow again.

Children with spots on their faces or neck usually respond well to this therapy. Side effects can be in the form of itching, redness, or burning sensations on the skin.

3. Phototherapy

This method uses ultraviolet (UV) strings directed to certain skin areas to stimulate melanocyte production and slow the emergence of new patches.

The frequency of therapy depends on the activity of the disease and the area of the affected area.

If drugs and phototherapy do not provide satisfactory results, skin surgery or laser therapy can be an alternative, especially if the vitiligo condition is stable.

It is important for sufferers to understand thatvitiligo cannot be completely cured, but can be controlled so as not to get worse. Following the doctor's treatment plan is very important to get the best results and reduce the risk of side effects.

Because the skin area affected by vitiligo does not have melanin, sufferers need to be extra careful about exposure to sunlight.

Sunburn not only hurts but can also expand white spots and increase the risk of other skin problems, including skin cancer.

Use a solar tabir with a minimum SPF of 25 which is able to protect against UVA and UVB rays. Choose a water-resistant or durable product. In addition, wear loose cotton clothes, wide-edged hats, and sunglasses. Avoid direct sunlight, especially during hot weather.

Although vitiligo is not contagious, striking skin tone changes often make sufferers feel stressed, sad, or lose confidence.

Therefore, the support of the surrounding family and environment plays a very important role in helping patients remain optimistic and follow the treatment well.

If a sufferer experiences emotional stress or depression, he should seek professional psychologists or counselors.

Vitiligo is not an infectious disease and can be controlled by various therapeutic options. With the right emotional support and treatment, the patient can still live a good life.