Everything you need to know about vitiligo in children

In recent years models like Winnie Harlow have brought attention to vitiligo, a skin condition that causes pigment loss. 

When vitiligo first shows up, it can be scary to see symptoms appear – for both parents and affected children. 

What are the symptoms of vitiligo?

Patches of skin will lose their pigment and become lighter. It affects all races and genders equally, though it is more obvious in those with darker skin. Symptoms can begin appearing at any age but around half of cases start before age 20.

It doesn’t hurt or itch and feels entirely normal. Patches will most often appear on the hands and face, around body openings like the eyes, nostrils, mouth and belly button, and in folds such as the underarms and groin. Hair growing in the affected patches may also lose pigment.

What causes vitiligo?

Melanin, the pigment that gives your skin its colour, is made by cells known as melanocytes. In patches of vitiligo the melanocytes are absent. It’s an autoimmune condition, meaning the body’s immune system rejects some of its own tissues – in this case the melanocytes. No-one knows exactly why this happens, but it can run in families.

How does it progress?

The progression is similar in children and adults. More patches may appear over time and existing patches may become larger. Vitiligo tends to progress slowly, yet unpredictably. Sometimes, progression can halt for years before starting again and at other times, patches of pigment can return, but it will seldom do so completely.

Thyroid disease and other autoimmune conditions such as alopecia (hair loss) and psoriasis (red, itchy skin patches) are more common in individuals with vitiligo but won’t necessarily occur.

How is it treated?

There is no cure, but there are treatment options that can restore some pigment:

Creams: Anti-inflammatory and corticosteroid creams may restore some pigment, but the latter can cause skin thinning and stretch marks.

Phototherapy: Exposing affected skin to ultraviolet light may restore pigment. Several treatments over a few months will be needed. It may not work around sensitive areas like the lips.

Sunscreen: This is essential every day, as the pale areas of skin will burn very easily.

IMAGE CREDIT: 123rf.com