Signs That You Could Have Vitiligo

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It's important to constantly monitor your body to notice any changes that occur. While some changes could prompt you to visit your family doctor, changes in your skin can warrant contacting a local dermatology clinic to set an appointment. If you have vitiligo, you'll likely have noticed one or more changes to your skin. Rather than trying to treat these issues yourself, it's best to get help from a dermatologist. They'll be able to assess you to confirm that you do indeed have vitiligo, and then discuss the steps to take. Here are some changes you may notice in your body.

Light Skin Patches

The most obvious indicator of vitiligo is a lightening of your skin in certain areas. The lightness can vary based on the severity of the condition, but your skin will become several shades lighter in certain areas than in other parts of your body. Vitiligo can affect numerous regions, including your hands, legs, torso, and face. The rate at which your skin becomes noticeably lighter varies according to a variety of factors, but seeing this change should prompt you to seek help from a skin professional.

Light Hair

Similarly, developing vitiligo will cause your hair to lighten. You may notice changes in the color of your hair on your head or on your body, depending on which areas the vitiligo is affecting. If you have a light patch of skin on your forehead, for example, you might notice that the patch extends into your hairline — and is accompanied by very light hair in this area. The hair could be quite blond or even white. The lightness in your hair will often appear in specific regions, rather than in a random manner that people often experience as they get older.

Itchiness

Although people who have vitiligo don't always have itchy skin, this is something that can affect some patients. You might experience itchiness as an early warning sign of a change in your skin's color, but the itchiness may also be present after the light-colored patches have appeared. There are a number of skin conditions that can cause your skin to become itchy, so it's always a good idea to consult with a dermatologist if you experience itchiness that seems unusual. If you indeed have vitiligo, your dermatologist can suggest a variety of treatment options to pursue with the goal of lessening the visibility of this skin condition.

For more information, contact a company such as Hamzavi Dermatology.


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