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How Vitiligo Changes With Age
Vitiligo affects each person differently. It’s an autoimmune condition that affects skin pigment, and it often starts with tiny white spots in a specific location. If it continues, it may progressively affect more of the body over time.
While there is no single best treatment for vitiligo, our team here at Hines Dermatology Associates creates a vitiligo management plan to help restore lost color, prevent new patches from developing, or keep existing patches from getting larger.
Nearly half of people with vitiligo develop it before the age of 20, but it doesn’t necessarily stay the same throughout life. Here’s how vitiligo may change throughout the different life stages.
Early onset and childhood
In children, vitiligo typically appears as small, pale patches of skin, usually on the face, hands, and knees. These patches may grow slowly over time.
The condition can be particularly challenging in childhood due to the potential for social stigma and the impact on self-esteem. Parents and caregivers play a crucial role in providing emotional support, and a skilled dermatologist can help manage the condition.
Adolescence and young adulthood
As children with vitiligo move into their teenage years and early adulthood, the appearance of vitiligo can become more pronounced. Hormonal changes during puberty may cause vitiligo to spread, either through the appearance of new patches or the expansion of existing ones.
This period can be emotionally taxing, given how conscious teenagers are of their appearance. Support groups, counseling, and an effective management plan are vital in helping young adults cope with the visible changes and maintain a positive self-image.
Middle age and adulthood
By middle age, many individuals who have vitiligo have experienced a period of stabilization, where the condition slows down. However, stress, illness, or physical trauma can still cause new patches to develop.
During this stage, people often become more adept at managing vitiligo, using various treatments, such as topical corticosteroids, phototherapy, or cosmetic camouflage, to reduce the appearance of depigmented areas.
A good skin care routine and protecting the skin from the sun are essential to prevent further damage and maintain skin health.
The role of aging skin
Your skin naturally undergoes changes as you age, such as thinning, decreased elasticity, and slower regeneration. If you have vitiligo, these changes can impact the appearance and progression of the condition.
Older skin may show a more pronounced contrast between depigmented and normally pigmented areas. Additionally, aging can influence the effectiveness of certain treatments, requiring adjustments to care routines.
It's important for older adults with vitiligo to stay informed about changes to their skin and work with a provider to adapt treatment plans accordingly.
Psychological adaptation over time
While vitiligo can be distressing at any age, many people find that they become more accepting of their appearance as they grow older. Support from family, friends, and health care professionals can help this process.
Building a positive self-image and learning to cope with the social and emotional aspects of vitiligo can greatly enhance quality of life.
Seeking professional guidance
Regular checkups ensure that any changes in the condition are monitored and addressed. Staying proactive about your skin care and treatment can make a difference in the progression of vitiligo and improve your overall skin health.
From the initial onset in childhood to the adjustments in older age, awareness of these shifts can make living with vitiligo more manageable. If you or a loved one has vitiligo, staying informed and connected with health care providers is key to navigating the journey with confidence and resilience.
For expert skin care to manage this or other skin conditions, call Hines Dermatology Associates in Attleboro, Massachusetts, or use online booking to request an appointment today.
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