Definition of Vitiligo
Vitiligo ek chronic skin disorder hai jisme melanocytes (skin ke pigment cells) destroy ho jaate hain. Is destruction ke wajah se skin par white patches ban jaate hain. Ye condition non-contagious hai aur kisi bhi age, gender, ya race me ho sakti hai.
Epidemiology of Vitiligo
● Affects around 1% of the world population.
● Usually begins before 30 years of age.
● Both males and females equally affected.
● Family history present in 30–40% cases.
Causes of Vitiligo
Exact cause unknown hai, lekin multiple factors responsible hote hain:
1. Autoimmune reaction – body ke immune cells melanocytes ko destroy karte hain.
2. Genetic factors – family history me vitiligo hona.
3. Neurogenic factors – nerve-related chemicals melanocytes ko damage karte hain.
4. Environmental factors – sunburn, stress, or chemical exposure.
5. Oxidative stress – free radicals se cell damage hota hai.
Risk Factors of Vitiligo
● Family history of autoimmune diseases (thyroid, diabetes).
● Emotional or physical stress.
● Sunburn or skin injury.
● Chemical exposure (phenolic compounds).
● Other autoimmune conditions.
Pathophysiology of Vitiligo
● Normally, melanocytes skin me pigment (melanin) produce karte hain.
● Vitiligo me immune system melanocytes ko mistakenly attack aur destroy kar deta hai.
● Melanin production band hone se depigmented white patches appear hote hain.
● Affected areas sunburn ke liye zyada sensitive ho jaate hain.
Clinical Manifestations of Vitiligo
● White or light-colored patches on skin.
● Common sites: face, neck, hands, elbows, knees, and around body openings.
● Premature whitening of hair, eyebrows, eyelashes.
● Loss of color in mucous membranes (lips, inside mouth).
● Patches gradually increase in size and number.
Types of Vitiligo
1. Segmental Vitiligo – body ke ek side me limited area affected.
2. Non-segmental Vitiligo – symmetrical pattern (most common).
3. Generalized Vitiligo – multiple body parts affected.
4. Focal Vitiligo – few scattered spots.
5. Universal Vitiligo – almost entire body depigmented (rare).
Complications of Vitiligo
● Sunburn and skin cancer risk increase.
● Psychological effects – depression, low confidence, anxiety.
● Eye or ear pigment changes (rare).
● Social stigma and emotional distress.
Diagnosis of Vitiligo
● Physical examination – characteristic white patches.
● Woods lamp examination – ultraviolet light se depigmented area clearly visible.
● Skin biopsy – melanocyte absence confirm karta hai.
● Blood tests – autoimmune disorders (thyroid, diabetes) detect karne ke liye.
Treatment of Vitiligo
1. Medical Management
● Topical corticosteroids – inflammation control karte hain.
● Topical calcineurin inhibitors – immune response reduce karte hain.
● Phototherapy (NB-UVB or PUVA) – melanocyte stimulation.
● Depigmentation therapy – extensive cases me uniform skin tone ke liye.
2. Surgical Management
● Skin grafting – healthy pigmented skin ko affected area me transplant karte hain.
● Melanocyte transplantation – lab me grown melanocytes ko patch par lagaya jata hai.
3. Supportive Therapy
● Use of sunscreen to protect depigmented areas.
● Cosmetic camouflage creams for coverage.
● Psychological counseling for self-confidence.
Nursing Management of Vitiligo
● Educate patient about non-contagious nature of disease.
● Encourage use of sunscreen and protective clothing.
● Promote self-esteem and emotional support.
● Advise patient to avoid stress and skin trauma.
● Explain importance of treatment compliance.
● Monitor for side effects of topical medications.
Prevention of Vitiligo
● Avoid direct sun exposure.
● Manage stress effectively.
● Protect skin from injury or burns.
● Avoid harsh chemicals or bleaching agents.
● Regular check-up for autoimmune diseases.
Summary of Vitiligo
Vitiligo ek autoimmune skin disorder hai jisme melanocytes destroy ho jaate hain, jisse white patches develop hote hain. Ye disease non-contagious hai lekin emotional impact high hota hai. Early diagnosis, phototherapy, aur counseling se patient ke appearance aur confidence dono improve kiye ja sakte hain.
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