5 things to know about vitiligo 

Have you noticed strange patches of white skin on your child’s body? These may often appear around the mouth, nose and eyes, arms and legs. This condition is called vitiligo which is an autoimmune disease. 

If you notice patches forming on your child’s hands, legs, face or even inside his/her mouth, take her/him to the doctor for a diagnosis and treatment options. Also, as children get older, vitiligo could manifest as eczema or other skin-related issues.

Here are five important things to know about vitiligo as it affects children. 

It’s an autoimmune condition 

What this means is that the body produces antibodies which attack its own tissues. Vitiligo is characterised by white patches, which happens as the cells that create pigment in these patches have been destroyed. If you or a parent has had vitiligo, your child may inherit the condition as it sometimes runs in families. Other risk factors include Type 1 diabetes, thyroid disease and chronic adrenal gland insufficiency (Addison’s disease).

There is no cure for vitiligo

Vitiligo isn’t usually a life-threatening condition but there is no cure for it, at present. Some children have patches that clear up in time and there are treatments that your doctor might prescribe to manage the patchy skin. 

Vitiligo triggers can be confusing 

No-one can “catch” vitiligo, this is not a transmissible condition, but what causes, or triggers vitiligo can be perplexing. Stress, skin damage, environmental factors and other autoimmune issues might trigger vitiligo and this condition can affect any skin colour and type.

It can affect your child’s mental health

While vitiligo is unlikely to cause major physical pains, aches and discomfort, it can affect your child’s emotional wellbeing. He or she may feel self-conscious of the white patches on their skin, they may be teased or bullied about it at school and may subsequently try to cover up as much as possible or avoid social interactions. It’s important to explain to your child in simple terms what this condition is about and reassure them that it’s not life-threatening. Do your best to comfort your child and teach them to value themselves beyond superficial marks on their skin. 

Speak to your doctor about treatments

It’s not possible to eliminate vitiligo as there’s no cure at present, but there are treatments that could help. Certain medicines and creams can be applied directly to the skin (usually for small affected areas). Your doctor might also recommend a light therapy or UVB (Ultraviolet B) therapy which goes some way in restoring skin colour –  this usually won’t be appropriate for children younger than 12 years old. 

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only. Always check with your doctor or medical practitioner about any health concerns, before embarking on any fitness or nutrition programme, and usage of any medication.