Table of contents:
Vitiligo is a rare condition that affects about one percent of the world's population. This condition causes a person's skin color to be uneven. However, usually the symptoms of vitiligo first appear in adulthood, not from birth or childhood. A person with vitiligo can grow up with healthy skin. Then, in your 20s or 30s, the various symptoms of vitiligo are just beginning to appear.
Why is that, huh? Consider the following reviews first to find out more about vitiligo and its symptoms in adults.
What is vitiligo?
Vitiligo is a skin problem characterized by discoloration of the skin in certain areas. The areas affected by vitiligo will gradually turn milky white, which can make your skin appear uneven in color.
Usually the first to change color is the area that is most exposed to sunlight. For example the face, the back of the hands, neck, arms, knees and elbows.
Over time, vitiligo can spread to other parts of the body or get bigger over time. This spread can vary from person to person. Some are evenly distributed throughout the body. There are also those whose vitiligo only appears in certain parts of the body.
These skin changes usually don't cause pain, stinging, itching, or any sensation. The skin texture will also not turn rougher or softer. All that changes is the color of your skin.
Vitiligo can affect anyone. This condition does not see gender, race, or age. However, in most cases the symptoms of vitiligo will only appear when a person reaches young adulthood or as an adult.
Causes of vitiligo
Until now, experts are still looking for what exactly causes vitiligo. However, it is certain that vitiligo is not caused by cancer. This condition is also not caused by infection from viruses or bacteria. Thus, vitiligo cannot be transmitted.
Vitiligo occurs when the pigments that give your skin its color are damaged or destroyed. As a result, your skin loses color and turns pale or milky white.
According to a number of studies, about 20 percent of people with vitiligo also have autoimmune diseases. Autoimmune disease occurs when a person's immune system attacks the cells in their own body.
Therefore, vitiligo is classified as a condition that arises from autoimmune diseases. Both are triggered by risk factors such as heredity.
Why do vitiligo symptoms appear only in adulthood?
Actually the symptoms of vitiligo can appear from birth or in the elderly (elderly). However, these cases are very rare in people with vitiligo. A number of studies have noted that half of vitiligo cases only appear when a person reaches adolescence to adulthood.
Although the biggest risk factor for vitiligo is heredity or genetics, the researchers also noted that generally the symptoms of vitiligo appear due to environmental factors. For example, if you have been exposed to the sun, have an injury, have a certain disease, or are experiencing severe stress. These factors will encourage the appearance of vitiligo symptoms.
Well, that's why vitiligo usually only appears when you enter adulthood. Adults are usually more susceptible to environmental triggers such as stress or sun exposure. These triggers can cause pigment damage to the skin.
