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VitiligoVVitiligoVitiligoEnglishDermatologyChild (0-12 years);Teen (13-18 years)SkinSkinConditions and diseasesCaregivers Adult (19+)NA2016-06-24T04:00:00Z9.4000000000000054.8000000000000850.000000000000Health (A-Z) - ConditionsHealth A-Z<p>Vitiligo is a condition that causes skin and sometimes hair to turn white. Learn about its causes and how it is diagnosed and treated.</p><h2>What is vitiligo?</h2><p>Vitiligo is a condition that causes patches of skin, and sometimes hair, to turn white. This skin condition occurs in roughly one person in a hundred and affects girls and boys equally.</p><div class="asset-2-up"> <figure><img src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/PMD_vitiligo_darker_skin_EN.jpg" alt="Vitiligo darker-skinned knee" /> </figure> <figure> <img src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/PMD_vitiligo_lighter_skin_EN.jpg" alt="Viligo on lighter-skinned knee" /> </figure><br></div><h2>Key points</h2><ul><li>Vitiligo is a skin condition that makes parts of the skin or hair turn white. It is thought to be an autoimmune reaction but can also sometimes occur after a cut or other injury to the skin.</li><li>Treatments include creams and lotions, medications and light therapy. These may not always completely remove vitiligo and cannot prevent new patches from forming.</li><li>See a doctor if your child’s vitiligo does not improve or looks different than before or if you have concerns about changes in their health.</li></ul><h2>How does vitiligo affect the body?</h2> <p>Vitiligo is a condition that affects skin or hair colour only. It is usually more obvious in those with darker skin. It can occur anywhere on the body, causing skin colour differences of various shapes and sizes. However, some areas of the body are more commonly affected than others.</p> <p>In rare cases, patients with vitiligo may have other autoimmune diseases. For example, their immune system may also attack their thyroid gland. If your child is diagnosed with vitiligo, their doctor should order blood tests to check for any other autoimmune disease.</p><h2>What causes vitiligo?</h2> <p>The exact cause of vitiligo is not known, but it is thought to be an autoimmune reaction. This means that it occurs when the immune system attacks healthy cells in the body. In vitiligo, the cells that are attacked are called melanocytes. These are special cells that give skin and hair its pigment (colour).</p> <p>Vitiligo may affect more than one person in a family, suggesting that genetics may be a factor. Patients sometimes also notice that their vitiligo starts after a cut or other injury to their skin. You may hear your doctor call this a Koebner phenomenon.</p><h2>How is vitiligo diagnosed?</h2> <p>Your child’s doctor will often diagnose vitiligo simply by looking at your child’s skin. Because vitiligo is less obvious in paler skin, the doctor might sometimes use a special light called a Wood’s Lamp to help them detect changes more easily. If your child needs to be examined with the aid of a Wood’s Lamp, they may be asked to go into a dark room so that the light can be shone on their skin.</p><h2>How is vitiligo treated?</h2> <p>Different treatments are possible depending on how much vitiligo is present and where it appears on the body.</p> <h3>Topical treatments</h3> <p>Topical treatments are ointments, creams, gels or lotions that are applied directly to the skin. They include topical steroid medications.</p> <p>Calcineurin inhibitors are topical medications that help regulate the immune system in the skin. They are especially useful when applied to the face, skin folds and flexural areas such as inside the elbow or the back of the knee.</p> <p>Topical treatments are recommended for small areas of vitiligo, but they may be more challenging to use, and carry side effects, if vitiligo is more widespread. Depending on the part of their body that is affected, your child might receive different mixes and strengths of a topical steroid.</p> <h3>Light therapy</h3> <p>Light therapy involves focusing a special ultraviolet light on the affected areas of skin. The treatment usually requires several sessions and is reserved for patients with very widespread vitiligo, for whom applying a topical medication is challenging.</p> <p>This treatment requires a person to stand still in a small space with lamps around them, as they may be burned if they move. For this reason, light therapy may not be suitable for young children. Some concerns have also been raised about light therapy and the long-term increased risk for skin cancer, especially in those with paler skin.</p> <p>Other treatments such as laser therapy and skin grafting are also possible, but there is limited information about their use in children.</p> <h3>How effective are treatments for vitiligo?<br></h3> <p>Unfortunately vitiligo is a very unpredictable disease. Even with all the available treatments, some areas may not return to their usual colour. In addition, there is no way for doctors to prevent new areas of vitiligo from developing.<br></p> <p>Because treatment is not always successful, some patients may choose not to do anything or will instead use special make-up on the affected skin to make it blend in with the rest of the body.</p><h2>When to see a doctor for vitiligo</h2> <p>After initial diagnosis and treatment, see your child’s doctor if:</p> <ul> <li>your child’s vitiligo is getting larger, not improving or looks different than before</li> <li>you suspect your child has been experiencing symptoms such as gaining or losing weight easily or feeling tired easily. Their doctor can order blood tests to rule out related systemic conditions such as <a href="https://akhpub.aboutkidshealth.ca/article?contentid=841&language=English">anemia</a> or <a href="https://akhpub.aboutkidshealth.ca/article?contentid=2309&language=English">hypothyroidism</a>.<br></li> </ul>
VitiligoVVitiligoVitiligoFrenchDermatologyChild (0-12 years);Teen (13-18 years)SkinSkinConditions and diseasesAdult (19+) CaregiversNA2016-06-24T04:00:00Z9.0000000000000055.0000000000000Health (A-Z) - ConditionsHealth A-Z<p>​Le vitiligo est un trouble qui se manifeste par des taches blanches sur la peau. Découvrez ce qui le cause et comment il est diagnostiqué et soigné.<br></p><h2>Qu’est-ce que le vitiligo?<br></h2><p>Le vitiligo est un trouble qui se manifeste par des taches blanches sur la peau et qui blanchit parfois les cheveux. Environ une personne sur cent est atteinte de ce trouble; il se présente en proportion égale chez les filles et chez les garçons.<br></p><div class="asset-2-up"> <figure> <img src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/PMD_vitiligo_darker_skin_FR.jpg" alt="Le vitiligo sur un genou de peau foncée" /> </figure><figure> <img src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/PMD_vitiligo_lighter_skin_FR.jpg" alt="Le vitiligo sur un genou de peau plus pâle" /> </figure> </div><h2>À retenir</h2><ul><li>Le vitiligo est un trouble qui se manifeste par des taches blanches sur la peau et qui blanchit parfois les cheveux. On le considère comme une réaction auto-immune. Cependant, il est parfois précédé d’une éraflure ou d’une autre blessure à la peau.</li><li>On peut le soigner avec des crèmes et des lotions, des médicaments et la photothérapie. Il se peut que les soins ne fassent pas disparaître toutes les traces du vitiligo. Le traitement ne peut pas prévenir que des taches apparaissent ailleurs.</li><li>Consultez un médecin si le vitiligo de votre enfant ne s’atténue pas ou a changé d'apparence; ou si vous êtes préoccupé au sujet de tout changement dans l'état de santé de votre enfant.</li></ul><br><h2>Quels sont les effets du vitiligo sur le corps?</h2><p>Le vitiligo n’a un effet que sur la couleur de la peau ou des cheveux. Il est généralement plus évident chez les personnes ayant le teint plus foncé. Il peut se produire n’importe où sur le corps, provoquant des nuances de couleur cutanée de formes et de tailles diverses. Cependant, certaines zones du corps sont plus souvent touchées que d’autres.</p><p>Dans de rares cas, les patients atteints de vitiligo peuvent souffrir d’autres troubles auto-immunes. Par exemple, leur système immunitaire peut aussi attaquer leur glande thyroïde. Si l’on porte un diagnostic de vitiligo à votre enfant, son médecin doit demander des analyses sanguines pour vérifier s’il souffre d’autres troubles auto-immunes.</p><br><h2>Quelles sont les causes du vitiligo?</h2><p>La cause précise du vitiligo n’est pas connue. On le considère comme une réaction auto-immune qui se produit quand le système immunitaire s’attaque aux cellules saines du corps, appelées mélanocytes. Il s’agit des cellules qui donnent le pigment (couleur) à la peau et aux cheveux.</p><p>Le vitiligo peut frapper plus d’une personne dans une même famille, ce qui suggère que la génétique peut être un facteur. Parfois, les patients constatent aussi que le vitiligo est précédé d’une éraflure ou d’une autre blessure à la peau. Il se peut que votre médecin parle du phénomène de Koebner.</p><br><h2>Comment le vitiligo est-il diagnostiqué?</h2><p>Le médecin portera souvent un diagnostic de vitiligo après un simple examen de la peau de votre enfant. Le vitiligo est moins évident chez les personnes qui ont le teint pâle. Dans ces cas, le médecin peut utiliser une lampe spéciale, appelée lampe de Wood, afin de faciliter la détection des changements. S’il doit examiner votre enfant à l’aide de cette lampe, le médecin peut vous demander d’aller dans une pièce sombre afin de mettre la peau sous la lumière.</p><h2>Comment le vitiligo est-il soigné?</h2> <p>Il y a différentes façons de soigner le vitiligo. Les soins dépendent de l’étendue du vitiligo et des zones du corps qui en sont atteintes.</p><h3>Médicaments topiques</h3><p>Un traitement aux médicaments topiques est l’application sur la peau d’un onguent, d’une crème, d’un gel ou d’une lotion. Parmi ceux-ci, on trouve les corticostéroïdes topiques.</p><p>Les inhibiteurs topiques de la calcineurine aident à réguler le système immunitaire de la peau. Leur application sur le visage ainsi que sur les zones de pli et de flexion, telles la face intérieure du coude ou celle de l’arrière du genou, donne surtout de bons résultats.</p><p>Les médicaments topiques sont recommandés pour soigner le vitiligo sur de petites surfaces. Une application étendue peut présenter des défis et des effets secondaires. La composition et le dosage du stéroïde topique prescrit à votre enfant dépendend de la partie de son corps touchée.</p><h3>Photothérapie</h3><p>La photothérapie est une thérapie qui expose les zones de peau atteintes de vitiligo à une lumière ultraviolette spéciale. Il faut normalement prévoir plusieurs séances de photothérapie. Le traitement est réservé aux patients dont une grande surface du corps est atteinte de vitiligo et qui ont des problèmes à étaler (appliquer) un médicament topique.</p><p>Durant la thérapie, la personne doit rester immobile, debout dans un petit espace et entourée de lampes. Si elle bouge, elle peut se brûler. Pour cette raison, la photothérapie peut ne pas convenir aux jeunes enfants. Certaines préoccupations ont aussi été soulevées au sujet du risque accru à long terme du cancer de la peau chez ceux soignés par la photothérapie. Cela s’applique surtout aux personnes ayant le teint plus pâle.</p><p>On peut aussi soigner le vitiligo avec une thérapie au laser et les greffes de la peau. Il y a peu de renseignements sur leur utilisation chez les enfants.</p><h3>Quelle est l’efficacité des soins du vitiligo?</h3><p>Malheureusement, le vitiligo est une maladie très imprévisible. Les soins disponibles ne peuvent pas garantir que toutes les zones de peau retourneront à leur couleur normale. Et, les médecins n’ont aucun moyen de prévenir que le vitiligo apparaisse ailleurs.</p><p>Parce que le traitement n’est pas toujours efficace, certains patients peuvent choisir de ne rien faire. Ils utiliseront plutôt un maquillage spécial sur la zone atteinte pour que la couleur se fonde avec le reste de la peau.<br></p><h2>Quand consulter un médecin pour le vitiligo</h2><p>Après que le diagnostic a été porté et que votre enfant a été soigné, consultez son médecin de enfant si :</p><ul><li>le vitiligo se répand, ne guérit pas ou a changé d'apparence;</li><li>vous pensez que votre enfant présente des symptômes du vitiligo. C’est-à-dire qu’il gagne ou perd du poids facilement ou qu’il se sent souvent fatigué. Le médecin peut demander des analyses sanguines pour écarter des troubles systémiques y reliés, comme <a href="https://akhpub.aboutkidshealth.ca/article?contentid=841&language=French">l’anémie</a> ou l’<a href="https://akhpub.aboutkidshealth.ca/article?contentid=2309&language=French">hypothyroïdie</a>​.</li></ul>

 

 

 

 

Vitiligo2296.00000000000VitiligoVitiligoVEnglishDermatologyChild (0-12 years);Teen (13-18 years)SkinSkinConditions and diseasesCaregivers Adult (19+)NA2016-06-24T04:00:00Z9.4000000000000054.8000000000000850.000000000000Health (A-Z) - ConditionsHealth A-Z<p>Vitiligo is a condition that causes skin and sometimes hair to turn white. Learn about its causes and how it is diagnosed and treated.</p><h2>What is vitiligo?</h2><p>Vitiligo is a condition that causes patches of skin, and sometimes hair, to turn white. This skin condition occurs in roughly one person in a hundred and affects girls and boys equally.</p><div class="asset-2-up"> <figure><img src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/PMD_vitiligo_darker_skin_EN.jpg" alt="Vitiligo darker-skinned knee" /> </figure> <figure> <img src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/PMD_vitiligo_lighter_skin_EN.jpg" alt="Viligo on lighter-skinned knee" /> </figure><br></div><h2>Key points</h2><ul><li>Vitiligo is a skin condition that makes parts of the skin or hair turn white. It is thought to be an autoimmune reaction but can also sometimes occur after a cut or other injury to the skin.</li><li>Treatments include creams and lotions, medications and light therapy. These may not always completely remove vitiligo and cannot prevent new patches from forming.</li><li>See a doctor if your child’s vitiligo does not improve or looks different than before or if you have concerns about changes in their health.</li></ul><h2>How does vitiligo affect the body?</h2> <p>Vitiligo is a condition that affects skin or hair colour only. It is usually more obvious in those with darker skin. It can occur anywhere on the body, causing skin colour differences of various shapes and sizes. However, some areas of the body are more commonly affected than others.</p> <p>In rare cases, patients with vitiligo may have other autoimmune diseases. For example, their immune system may also attack their thyroid gland. If your child is diagnosed with vitiligo, their doctor should order blood tests to check for any other autoimmune disease.</p><h2>What causes vitiligo?</h2> <p>The exact cause of vitiligo is not known, but it is thought to be an autoimmune reaction. This means that it occurs when the immune system attacks healthy cells in the body. In vitiligo, the cells that are attacked are called melanocytes. These are special cells that give skin and hair its pigment (colour).</p> <p>Vitiligo may affect more than one person in a family, suggesting that genetics may be a factor. Patients sometimes also notice that their vitiligo starts after a cut or other injury to their skin. You may hear your doctor call this a Koebner phenomenon.</p><h2>How is vitiligo diagnosed?</h2> <p>Your child’s doctor will often diagnose vitiligo simply by looking at your child’s skin. Because vitiligo is less obvious in paler skin, the doctor might sometimes use a special light called a Wood’s Lamp to help them detect changes more easily. If your child needs to be examined with the aid of a Wood’s Lamp, they may be asked to go into a dark room so that the light can be shone on their skin.</p><h2>How is vitiligo treated?</h2> <p>Different treatments are possible depending on how much vitiligo is present and where it appears on the body.</p> <h3>Topical treatments</h3> <p>Topical treatments are ointments, creams, gels or lotions that are applied directly to the skin. They include topical steroid medications.</p> <p>Calcineurin inhibitors are topical medications that help regulate the immune system in the skin. They are especially useful when applied to the face, skin folds and flexural areas such as inside the elbow or the back of the knee.</p> <p>Topical treatments are recommended for small areas of vitiligo, but they may be more challenging to use, and carry side effects, if vitiligo is more widespread. Depending on the part of their body that is affected, your child might receive different mixes and strengths of a topical steroid.</p> <h3>Light therapy</h3> <p>Light therapy involves focusing a special ultraviolet light on the affected areas of skin. The treatment usually requires several sessions and is reserved for patients with very widespread vitiligo, for whom applying a topical medication is challenging.</p> <p>This treatment requires a person to stand still in a small space with lamps around them, as they may be burned if they move. For this reason, light therapy may not be suitable for young children. Some concerns have also been raised about light therapy and the long-term increased risk for skin cancer, especially in those with paler skin.</p> <p>Other treatments such as laser therapy and skin grafting are also possible, but there is limited information about their use in children.</p> <h3>How effective are treatments for vitiligo?<br></h3> <p>Unfortunately vitiligo is a very unpredictable disease. Even with all the available treatments, some areas may not return to their usual colour. In addition, there is no way for doctors to prevent new areas of vitiligo from developing.<br></p> <p>Because treatment is not always successful, some patients may choose not to do anything or will instead use special make-up on the affected skin to make it blend in with the rest of the body.</p><h2>When to see a doctor for vitiligo</h2> <p>After initial diagnosis and treatment, see your child’s doctor if:</p> <ul> <li>your child’s vitiligo is getting larger, not improving or looks different than before</li> <li>you suspect your child has been experiencing symptoms such as gaining or losing weight easily or feeling tired easily. Their doctor can order blood tests to rule out related systemic conditions such as <a href="https://akhpub.aboutkidshealth.ca/article?contentid=841&language=English">anemia</a> or <a href="https://akhpub.aboutkidshealth.ca/article?contentid=2309&language=English">hypothyroidism</a>.<br></li> </ul><h2>Does my child’s vitiligo need any special long-term care?</h2> <p>Yes, the areas affected by vitiligo will need good <a href="https://akhpub.aboutkidshealth.ca/article?contentid=308&language=English">sun protection</a> to avoid <a href="https://akhpub.aboutkidshealth.ca/article?contentid=768&language=English">sunburn</a> and minimize the risks of skin cancer.</p>https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/PMD_vitiligo_darker_skin_EN.jpgVitiligoFalse

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