Signs and Symptoms of Vitiligo
Vitiligo is an autoimmune skin disease in which the body creates antibodies directed against the pigment-producing cells. The loss of pigment causes depigmentation, which results in loss of color. The result is white patches or blotches on the skin. Vitiligo can be localized in one particular area, or it can affect the body more broadly. The following is the main signs and symptoms of vitiligo below.
Also, we have information on diagnosis, helpful books and valuable resources for patients.
The Most Common Signs and Symptoms of Vitiligo include:
The main symptoms of vitiligo are white spots on the skin, which may be more noticeable in light-skinned individuals when the person is tanned. Usually, there are only a few white spots at first; later, the spots can grow in size and take on more unusual shapes.
Common sites include the face, neck scalp, elbows, knees, ankles, shoulders, and other bony areas. Other areas include the forearms, wrists, hands, fingers, lips, genitals, gums and nipples.
Vitiligo Diagnosis
There are no official tests for a diagnosis of vitiligo. If a practitioner suspects vitiligo, a skin biopsy may be ordered, in order to rule out other pigmentary disorders.
Vitiligo is primarily a cosmetic issue, as it is not life-threatening and does not cause any other medical problems. It can, however, cause emotional concerns due to the depigmentation of the skin in visible areas.
Recommended – Test for Heavy Metals and Mineral Imbalances using Hair Tissue Analysis
We suggest getting a hair tissue mineral analysis (HTMA) to help you determine accurately what your body needs more of in terms of essential trace minerals and needs to eliminate in terms of toxic heavy metals and toxic mineral ratios. Toxic mineral ratios and toxic metal accumulation following long term or acute exposure can contribute greatly to degenerative conditions like vitiligo.
Essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, potassium and sodium all have important metabolic functions. However, too little or too much of any of these essential minerals can have an adverse affect on the human body and it’s ability to recover. How can a hair analysis help me achieve better health? If we consider that diet is what we consume and nutrition is what we retain, then we can see that discovering what your body needs when it needs it is a valuable tool in creating health. |
The dangers of exposure to toxic heavy metals such as mercury, lead and aluminum have been well documented over the years. Levels of heavy metals in the body can only be accurately measured using a hair tissue analysis or a chelation challenge test (which can be expensive and have serious side-effects). Blood or urine tests give information about your metal or mineral levels at the time of the test only.
Testing for minerals in the urine measures the minerals that are being excreted from your body – not necessarily what has been absorbed as fuel for your body. So blood and urine tests are like snapshots whereas a hair analysis is the video of your mineral retention. A hair analysis provides a biological profile of the past 2 – 3 months of intracellular activity revealing a unique metabolic world, which cannot be seen through most other tests. The hair mineral analysis gives you or your healthcare professional much-needed information about mineral deficiencies and chemical imbalances in your body, especially if you’re suffering from symptoms of any disease or disorder, including vitiligo. For FAQ’s about hair analysis, please click here. For an overview of what is covered in a comprehensive hair analysis report (by Trace Elements, Inc.), please click here. |
To purchase a comprehensive Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (by Trace Elements, Inc.) from Evenbetternow Natural Health Solutions, please click here. |
Books For People With Signs and Symptoms of Vitiligo
The Official Patient’s Sourcebook on Vitiligo James N. Parker |
Wanakee’ s Nutritional Approach to Vitiligo & Other Autoimmune Diseases: A Naturopath’s Personal Journey Toward Healing Naturally Wanakee Hill N.D. |
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Living Life In Vitiligo Norene L. Willis |
VITILIGO: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis and Effective Treatments Official Guide from the National Institute of Skin Diseases National Institute of Skin Diseases |
What Causes Vitiligo?
There are only a few things that can be considered causes for vitiligo. They are as follows:
- Genetic History of the Disease
- Heavy Metal Toxicity
- Thyroid Disease
- Injury to the Skin by Chemicals
Why Detoxification is Important?
If there is one thing that seems to be true, it is that autoimmune disease patients have a toxic body. The more discomfort you are in, the more pain you are feeling, the sicker and more toxic you are. Inflammation and irritation are classic signs of a toxic body. Although environmental toxins are not the only cause of the autoimmune process, it may be what is the root cause of the other factors such as candida, viral or bacterial infections.
Vitiligo Resources
General Patient Resources
- National Vitiligo Foundation, Inc.
National Vitiligo Foundation, a patient oriented site dedicated to information on the cure and treatment of vitiligo.
http://nvfi.org/index.php
- Vitiligo Support International, Inc.
VSI is a patient driven 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization offering a comprehensive resource of vitiligo education, research and awareness for those whose lives have been affected by vitiligo.
http://www.vitiligosupport.org/
- Derm Net NZ
Authoritative facts about the skin from the New Zealand Dermatological Society.
http://www.dermnetnz.org/colour/vitiligo.html
- Vitiligo Guide
Having served the vitiligo community with the most authentic, impartial and dependable insight into this disease, vitiligo guide decides to extend its services by opening an online store of vitiligo products.
http://www.vitiligoguide.com/
- Vitiligo Treatment oil . com
Vitiligo cure and vitiligo treatment is now available with natural herbal treatment.
http://www.vitiligotreatmentoil.com/vitiligo.html
- Vitiligo Support Forum
Vitiligo Support Forum run by vitiligo sufferers around the world.
http://vitiligoforum.com/
- MD Junction
Vitiligo Forums. Discussions, Q&A and friends dealing with Vitiligo.
http://www.mdjunction.com/forums/vitiligo-discussions
Medical Resources
- Mayo Clinic
Comprehensive overview covers causes, symptoms and treatments of this skin pigment condition.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/vitiligo/DS00586
- Medline Plus
A service of the US National Library of Medicine.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000831.htm