What causes mucosal vitiligo?

The exact cause of vitiligo is not fully understood, but researchers believe it may be due to an autoimmune disease that damages the cells that produce melanin. Vitiligo causes smooth, white patches on the skin, which may occur over the entire body or specific areas, such as the arms or face.

What is mucosal vitiligo?

134.1 Definition and Epidemiology. Vitiligo involving the oral and/or genital mucosae has been referred to as mucosal vitiligo (MV). It can occur as a part of generalized vitiligo or as an isolated condition.

Can vitiligo go away forever?

There is no “cure” for vitiligo. Sometimes patches go away on their own. But when that doesn’t happen, doctors can prescribe treatments that might help even out skin tone. Some of these treatments are things you can try at home; others are done by a doctor.

Does vitiligo affect mucosa?

Vitiligo is the most common depigmenting, chronic acquired disease of the skin and mucosa. However, vitiligo of an unclassified type and mucosal subtype affecting only one area of the mucosa is considered quite uncommon. The diagnosis of vitiligo, regardless of its type, is clinical.

How do you treat mucosal vitiligo?

There is no cure for vitiligo. The goal of medical treatment is to create a uniform skin tone by either restoring color (repigmentation) or eliminating the remaining color (depigmentation). Common treatments include camouflage therapy, repigmentation therapy, light therapy and surgery.

How do you get pigment back from vitiligo?

Depigmentation. Depigmentation may be recommended for adults who have vitiligo on more than 50\% of their bodies, although it may not be widely available. During depigmentation, a lotion is painted on to the normal skin to bleach the remaining pigment and make it the same colour as the depigmented (white) skin.

Do people with vitiligo lose all pigment?

Melanin is the pigment that gives the skin its characteristic color. Vitiligo is caused by a loss of pigment in the skin, due to destruction of pigment-forming cells known as melanocytes. Although vitiligo affects all races equally, it is more noticeable in dark-skinned people.

Can vitiligo be reversed?

No treatments can cure vitiligo. For most people, the goal of treatment is to stop vitiligo from spreading and to bring color back to affected areas of skin. The existing treatments can help, but it is rare for them to make vitiligo go away permanently.

Can white spots not be vitiligo?

Truly depigmented spots that are NOT vitiligo One is idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis (IGH), or small spots that appear on skin that has had chronic sun exposure (usually the shins and forearms, but sometimes the chest and back as well).

Does mucosal vitiligo spread?

Mucosal, which affects mucous membranes of the mouth and/or the genitals. Focal, which is a rare type in which the macules are in a small area and do not spread in a certain pattern within one to two years.

What is mucosal vitiligo and how can it be treated?

Mucosal Vitiligo surfaces around mucous membranes and the lips. Treatment of Vitiligo is currently lacking. There is, however, some creams or ointments that are used for Vitiligo affecting eyelids, face, neck, armpits and groin. The first step for any treatment is an appointment with a dermatologist.

What is the best alternative treatment for vitiligo?

Alternative medicine. Limited studies show that the herb Ginkgo biloba may return skin color in people with vitiligo. Other small studies show that alpha-lipoic acid, folic acid, vitamin C and vitamin B-12 plus phototherapy may restore skin color for some people.

Can you regain your skin color after vitiligo?

People with the best chance of regaining skin color are those who are young, whose vitiligo reaches its peak in less than six months and is located mainly on the facial area. People who are less likely to regain their color are those who get vitiligo later in life on their lips and limbs, especially the hands.

Does vitiligo affect all races and genders equally?

Vitiligo affects all races and genders equally; however, it is more visible in people with darker skin. Although vitiligo can develop in anyone at any age, it most commonly appears in people ages 10 to 30 years.