What is vitiligo?
Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease that manifests itself by the appearance of white spots. The depigmentation is due to an absence of melanin, which is responsible for the pigmentation of the skin.
It is a disorder of the immune system that considers melanocyte cells as enemies and destroys them. The areas of depigmentation are variable.
It is said that vitiligo occurs as a result of emotional shock, but this disease, which affects only one to two percent of the population, is still too little known, and to this day there is no cure.
There are three types of vitiligo :
Segmental vitiligo, which is located on only one part or one side of the body, for example a part of the face, an arm, a leg, a part of the belly, or the back.
Generalized vitiligo, which affects both parts of the body, often symmetrically.
Vitiligo universalis, which is rarer and affects a large part, if not the entire body.
External causes of vitiligo can also be sunburn, injuries, or shocks. Certain exposures to chemicals can also trigger it.
What is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin disease, it is an autoimmune disease. It is characterized by the appearance of thick plaques on the skin that flake off. (they come off in the form of scales). The plaques appear in different places on the body, on areas of friction, such as elbows, knees or the scalp, leaving areas of reddish skin.
This disease is not contagious and progresses in cycles, with periods of remission. It affects 2 to 4% of the population, particularly Caucasians.
It appears most often in the early thirties. However, it can affect children, even the youngest. Psoriasis affects both men and women.
Its precise cause is not known, but genetic and environmental factors may well be the cause. Antecedents are present in about 40% of cases. Cases of physical or psychological stress can be triggers.
Autoimmune reactions of the skin could also be responsible for its triggering. The cells renew themselves at a much too fast rate, and thus accumulate to form thick crusts on the skin.
Psoriasis can be unpleasant or painful if it occurs on the palms of the hands, the soles of the feet, or in the folds of the skin. The extent of psoriasis varies from person to person. Psoriasis can be embarrassing and interfere with normal social life.
What is eczema?
Eczema is characterized by a non-contagious inflammation of the skin that is recognizable by redness and itching. It can start very early in life and some infants may be affected. It is characterized by flare-ups during which symptoms are more severe, followed by periods of remission. Asthma and allergic reactions are often associated with this condition.
The mechanisms of the disease are not yet well understood, but skin cells and the immune system are believed to be affected. Stress and irritating chemicals are believed to be factors influencing the development of eczema.
It is the most common skin disease, and today is estimated to affect up to 30% of children and 10% of adults. The cases of eczema are estimated to have tripled in the last 30 years.
What is acne?
Acne is an inflammation of the sebaceous glands that produce sebum. This condition particularly affects teenagers and is characterized by the appearance of pimples on the face, back, neck and chest. The too thick sebum thus blocks the pores of the skin.
Significant acne can leave scars on the skin, the main aspects of acne are:
- Whiteheads or blackheads
- Black points
- The red buttons
- Pustules
This text has been written for informative purposes, the specialist who will be able to make a true skin diagnosis is the dermatologist.