{"id":1886,"date":"2022-12-01T01:08:50","date_gmt":"2022-12-01T01:08:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.avaneclinic.com\/?p=1886"},"modified":"2024-05-13T10:36:39","modified_gmt":"2024-05-13T10:36:39","slug":"laser-vitiligo-treatment-in-nairobi","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.avaneclinic.com\/laser-vitiligo-treatment-in-nairobi\/","title":{"rendered":"Laser Vitiligo Treatment in Nairobi"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

One of the most common skin conditions in the world today is vitiligo. It is estimated that about 1% of the world\u2019s population is affected by vitiligo. This represents an estimated 80 million people worldwide. In Kenya, vitiligo is also a huge concern and affects quite a huge proportion of the population. Scientists and medical researchers across the world have been researching to identify the cause and best mitigation measures against vitiligo. These teams have made huge milestones in combating the conditions, but more needs to be done. As a pioneer clinic for dermatology treatment in Kenya, Avan\u00e9 clinic<\/a>, Nairobi is at the forefront, availing vitiligo treatment to Kenyans and the world at large.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is vitiligo?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vitiligo<\/a> is a skin condition, that makes the skin lose its normal colour. It is associated with the loss of skin pigmentation and causes some areas of the skin to appear lighter than the natural skin tone. This condition causes the formation of a small section of depigmented skin all over the body. These depigmented sections are called macules if they are less than 1 centimetre wide. If the macules are larger than 1 centimetre in diameter, they are then referred to as patches. The macules or patches can form on any part of the body. They can be irregular in shape and intensity. Moreover, the degree of lightness of the skin can vary from one part to another. They also vary from one person to another. Hairs that grow on the depigmented part also appear pale and whitish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Vitiligo<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What causes vitiligo?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The exact cause of vitiligo is not yet known. Medical researchers have been pondering on this issue for a long time, but haven\u2019t found a conclusive cause. However, it is believed that vitiligo is an autoimmune condition<\/a>. This means that it is associated with defects in the immune system in the body. It is believed that vitiligo occurs when the body\u2019s immune system attacks the melanocyte cells in the body. Melanocytes are skin cells tasked with the production of melanin. Melanin is the chemical substance that gives the skin its natural colour. Attack on the melanocytes cells affects melanin production. Consequently, this also affects the concentration of melanin, in these parts. Moreover, it creates sections of the skin with lighter pigmentation than the rest of the skin. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vitiligo can also be caused by other factors such as genetics where it can be passed from one generation to another among close family members. It can also be caused by neurogenetic factors. Here, the nerves ending produce chemical substances that are harmful to the melanocyte cells. These substances affect the melanocytes and may even destroy them. Consequently, this also leads to lower melanin in certain parts and vitiligo patches appear. Moreover, it can arise as a result of trigger factors such as stress or environmental factors. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Who is at risk of getting vitiligo?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vitiligo can potentially affect anyone, regardless of race, gender or age. It also affects people of all skin tones. It is, however, more conspicuous in people with dark skin tones than their white counterparts. This is because of the huge variation in colour between the normal dark complexion, and the white section of the skin caused by vitiligo. Additionally, although vitiligo can affect anyone at any age, it is more rampant in people under the age of 30. Vitiligo is an autoimmune condition. Hence, people with other autoimmune conditions are at a higher risk of getting vitiligo. These autoimmune conditions include Anaemia, Lupus, Thyroid disease, Psoriasis, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Addison\u2019s disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The start and progression of vitiligo.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vitiligo starts as small white patches on the skin. These patches can appear on the hands, forearms, face and feet and gradually spreads over other parts of the body. Sometimes, it spreads to the body\u2019s mucous membranes such as on the mouth, nose, rectal column and genital areas. It may also affect the eyes and inner ears. As the disease progresses, patches may widen and spread over other parts, but they usually stay on the same part for years. On the other hand, macules shift their positions over time, as some areas lose their pigmentation while others regain the pigmentation. The amount of skin affected by the condition varies from time to time, and from one patient to another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Types of vitiligo.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n