Vitiligo in children, how is it different from adults?

Vitiligo is a discoloration of the skin in certain parts of the body caused by the loss of skin pigment. Although most cases of vitiligo appear in adulthood, this skin problem can also be present since childhood, you know. So, at what age does vitiligo in children usually begin to appear and is there a way to treat it?

Vitiligo in children, what makes it different from adults?

The appearance of skin discoloration in the form of broad white milky white patches is called vitiligo. This condition can occur at any age and affects any skin type. Not only adults, children who experience vitiligo will also feel less confident due to uneven skin color differences.

But, you dont have to worry. Vitiligo is not a life-threatening contagious disease. This discoloration usually starts to appear on the areas most exposed to the sun, such as the face, neck, hands, knees and elbows. Over time, vitiligo in children can spread to other parts of the body.

The age of four to five years is the period when vitiligo in children occurs most often. But sometimes, even children under one year of age can experience vitiligo.

Types of vitiligo are divided into two: segmental vitiligo and nonsegmental vitiligo. Segmental vitiligo is a rare type of vitiligo. This condition is characterized by white patches that appear on only one area of the body (localized vitiligo). While nonsegmental vitiligo is a common condition in which the patches spread over any part of the body.

Well, the fundamental difference between child and adult vitiligo is two big points. First, vitiligo in children is more common in girls. Second, the type of vitiligo that is often experienced by children is segmental vitiligo.

As a parent, pay attention if you notice the appearance of vitiligo symptoms on your child's skin:

White patches appear
Change in skin color, in one or more areas of the body
Hair color, eyebrows, eyelashes, change too
Discoloration of the retina and the inner lining of the mouth and nose

What causes vitiligo in children?

Unfortunately, health experts have not been able to determine with certainty what causes vitiligo. So far, vitiligo is considered an autoimmune disease, which is a disorder caused by the immune system that attacks healthy cells in the body.

This is triggered by the role of the immune system which actually destroys melanocyte cells, which are the producers of the melanin pigment in the skin. In fact, melanocytes are responsible for giving skin color while protecting the skin from damage due to sun exposure. As a result, the original skin color disappears and becomes milky white.

Vitiligo in children is also suspected as a genetic disorder condition because it turns out that a large proportion of children who experience vitiligo have a family history of having vitiligo.

Can vitiligo in children be treated?

Source: Vitiligo Clinic

Just like vitiligo in adults, vitiligo experienced by children is difficult to cure completely. However, there are still several treatments that can be given to improve the appearance of skin color, such as:

1. Using a corticosteroid cream

Corticosteroid creams are a fairly successful initial treatment for segmental vitiligo. Unfortunately, this treatment is not very effective in dealing with changing skin color. The use of corticosteroid creams should be done routinely, but there are various health risks that lurk children when used for the long term.

2.Calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs)

This treatment works by inhibiting the body's immune system from making changes to the skin's melanin pigment. Calcineurin inhibitors are considered successful in slowing the progression of vitiligo in children, with far less side effects than taking corticosteroid creams.

3.Phototherapy (light therapy)

Light therapy utilizes ultraviolet A (UVA) and B (UVB) rays to restore skin color due to vitiligo. Slightly different in children, doctors usually limit and combine this therapy with other therapies because it is considered inappropriate for the child's age.

4. Operation

Surgery or surgery is not the first choice taken to treat vitiligo in children. This option will only be taken if a child who has segmental vitiligo cannot be treated by other means. Surgery is not recommended for young children or children with less severe vitiligo patches.

Give understanding to children

Children with vitiligo may have self-confidence problems, insecurity, and even shame because they feel different from their peers. Therefore, in addition to providing physical care, you should also include psychological care to help maintain their emotional condition.

You can see a doctor who specializes in treating childhood vitiligo, and help your child find friends his or her age who are also experiencing the same thing. Always try to encourage children to do positive things that can raise their enthusiasm.