🩺 “Doctor, why are these white spots appearing on my skin?”

I clearly remember a patient who asked me this while looking at his hands with concern.

They didn’t hurt, they weren’t itchy... but they were there. And each time, they became more noticeable.

What he had was vitiligo.

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🔬 What is Vitiligo?

Vitiligo is a chronic skin condition that is characterized by the appearance of white patches on the skin, resulting from the loss of melanocytes. Melanocytes are the cells responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that gives color to the skin, hair, and eyes.

These white spots can appear anywhere on the body, but they tend to be more noticeable in areas that are exposed to the sun, such as the hands, face, elbows, or knees.

❓ Why does Vitiligo occur?

From a scientific perspective, vitiligo is considered an autoimmune disease. This means that the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the melanocytes, which results in a loss of pigmentation in the affected areas.

Vitiligo is not caused by:
❌ Poor hygiene
❌ Infections
❌ Contact with other people

Several factors may contribute to the development of vitiligo, including:
• Genetic predisposition
• Alterations in the immune system
• Intense physical or emotional stress
• Associations with other autoimmune diseases, such as thyroid disorders or type 1 diabetes

⚠️ Why is it important to seek medical evaluation?

Because not all white patches on the skin are caused by vitiligo.

There are other conditions that may look similar and require different management. Some of these conditions can mimic vitiligo, such as fungal infections or certain types of dermatitis, which may require different treatments and follow-up care.

Additionally, although vitiligo is not contagious and does not pose a direct life-threatening risk, it can have a significant impact on a person's:
• Emotional health
• Self-esteem
• Overall quality of life

An early medical diagnosis can help:
• Confirm the cause of the white patches
• Detect associated diseases or conditions
• Initiate early treatment, when there is a greater chance of repigmentation
• Provide comprehensive support to the patient, addressing not only physical aspects but also emotional and psychological ones

🧠 Vitiligo does not define the person, but it does warrant a proper medical evaluation.

I’m Dr. Pau Zúñiga, and now tell me: Which other skin condition would you like me to talk about? 👩🏻‍⚕️

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Important:
This content is intended solely for educational purposes and is not a substitute for medical advice. If you notice white spots on your skin, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

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Sources:

• American Academy of Dermatology. (n.d.). Vitiligo. Retrieved from https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/vitiligo

• Mayo Clinic. (2023). Vitiligo. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/vitiligo/