Vitiligo affects patients' self-esteem

• April 24, 2024

The vitiligo is a disease of the skin that affects the self-esteem of the people who suffer it, because it generates stains white throughout the body. It is normal to be present in any individual, but it is more noticeable in those who have dark complexions.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD, for its acronym in English), this pigmentary disorder is recorded when the melanocytes (cells that produce pigmentation). It regularly appears in the eyes, mucous membranes, face, hands, feet, elbows, knees, armpits, English, the navel and genitals.

The dermatologist Javier Ruiz, member of the Mexican Foundation for Dermatology, explains that this disorder is not contagious, can be controlled and occurs at any age. He points out that among the most common causes of this are the Genetic heritage and the stress .

However, some experts mention that the reasons why this condition appears are not known, so it could be an autoimmune disease , that is, occurs when the immune system is wrong and destroys the melanocytes of the skin .

Among the treatments that are used to control vitiligo are the phototherapy (when the skin is exposed to ultraviolet light) and with medicines applied to the skin as creams or ointmentscorticosteroids or immunosuppressants .

Dermatologists recommend that all individuals apply a broad spectrum sunscreen or filter (UVA and UVB) with high SPF, and use adequate protection against sun exposure.

Video Medicine: I Have Vitiligo, Low Self-Esteem, and Depression (April 2024).