Unlocking the mysteries of the human canvas that is the skin, Segmental Vitiligo stands as a fascinating enigma within the realm of dermatology. The condition is typically the “lesser common” variant of vitiligo but still falls under 0.5-2.0% of the global prevalence of this skin disorder.
Segmental vitiligo, unlike its counterpart, occurs uniformly on one side of the patient’s body and hence the name. This variant manifests as asymmetrical patches, limited to specific areas of the body.
Segmental Vitiligo is more than just a dermatological condition; it highlights the incredible diversity of human beings. Each case tells a unique story, showcasing the beauty of our differences. By understanding its causes, symptoms, and available treatments, we can unravel the threads that connect us and celebrate the diversity that makes us all special in our own way.
More about segmental vitiligo, its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options will be discussed at length in this article.
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Why is an Early Diagnosis and Treatment of Segmental Vitiligo a Necessity?
Vitiligo is one of those autoimmune skin disorders that can take a toll on one’s mental well-being while being physically affected by it. At Kayakalp Global, our holistic and integrated treatment approaches such cases with optimal care and empathy.
We believe that early diagnosis and treatment is the key to arresting and re-pigment the discoloration that often leads to white patches that are prevalent on the side of the patient’s skin.
Segmental Vitiligo possesses a unique behavior that sets it apart from other forms of the condition. It often starts suddenly and can rapidly spread for a period of time before coming to a halt. After a few months or even years, it may resume spreading or remain stable.
Early detection is crucial before the condition spreads uncontrollably throughout the entire body. Since effective treatment options are available, early detection helps the patient manage the condition and minimize its impact on their overall skin health.
At Kayakalp Global, our team of vitiligo specialists cater to your needs and offer a comprehensive diagnosis and a tailored treatment regimen to augment repigmentation of the skin and have improved quality of life.
| Related: What Are The Main Reason For Spreading Of Vitiligo And How I Can Stop It |
What is Segmental Vitiligo?
There’s nothing that triumphs the importance of building our foundational concepts surrounding a subject, especially when it comes to healthcare. So, let us understand what segmental vitiligo is from its basics and remove the myths.
Segmental vitiligo, also known as isolateral and unilateral vitiligo is a condition where one side or a single part of the body is affected by the vitiligo symptoms, leading to discoloration on the skin.
In this condition, the white patches appear non-uniformly all over the skin and are typically a lot more common in children and young people as opposed to the older generation.
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| Related: White Vitiligo Patches on Lips: Causes, and its Early Treatment |
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Segmental Vitiligo?
When it comes to understanding more about the segmental vitiligo spreading time, it’s crucial that you keep an eye out for the symptoms. The most common symptom is the development and appearance of a white patch on the skin, specifically on the arm, leg, hand, or face.
Once the first patch appears, the condition can further progress in two ways – the white patch can form and spread rapidly or it might remain stable after spreading rapidly for some time. This aspect of things will vary from one patient to the other. It also depends on how the condition is handled at the early stages.
Some of the most common body parts that are affected by segmental vitiligo include:
- Hair
- Eyelids
- Areas around the moles
- Body orifice (openings)
- Genitals
- Folds in the body, like armpits, etc.
- Skin that’s exposed to the sun
- Insides of the mouth
Although these areas on the body are common “origin sites,” segmental vitiligo can affect any part of the body. Also, the white patches can manifest in different ways in different patients. The only constant and determining factor of segmental vitiligo are that the “visible white patches will only affect one side of the body.”
At Kayakalp Global, we often advise our patients to pay close attention to the signs and symptoms. Doing so helps our specialists better understand the patient’s case history so proper treatment can be tailored to their needs and symptoms.
| Related: Common Concerns about Vitiligo |
What are the Causes of Segmental Vitiligo?
When discussing about the segmental vitiligo causes, they are pretty much the same as any other type of vitiligo.
In most cases, it is an autoimmune disorder, which directly alters the functions of the melanocytes, in most cases, destroying them. When the melanocytes are destroyed or killed, it leads to a lack or no melanin production, leading to the prominent white patches that are a telltale sign of segmental vitiligo.
Besides that, there are reports that indicate connections between stress, skin damage, and chemical reactions as potential triggers for the onset of segmental vitiligo in patients.
One study also indicates that the onset of segmental vitiligo could be tied to improper and unusual cellular changes that occur during embryonic development. In some cases, nerve cells that are present in the skin induce chemical triggers, which have been reported as evidence of contributing to the onset of segmental vitiligo.
| Related: 7 Things You Should Know About Vitiligo |
What Differentiates Segmental Vitiligo from Other Types of Vitiligo?
When it comes to comparison, the battle is typically between segmental and non-segmental vitiligo. Wondering how segmental vitiligo is different from the other types is a fairly common question that plagues the mind of several individuals.
Besides segmental, a few of the other types of vitiligo include non-segmental, generalized, focal, trichome, etc. The main difference between them lies in the symptoms.
- In segmental vitiligo, the white patches develop on one side of the body primarily and keep spreading on the same side as well. In a way, you can term this as a type of “uniform” vitiligo.
- Another common factor that sets segmental vitiligo apart from the rest is the spreading time. Unlike other types of vitiligo, segmental vitiligo spreads at a pretty rapid rate. Many patients report that the white patches spread rampantly within 6 months to a year. However, then the spread suddenly stops.
- The impacts of segmental vitiligo aren’t limited to the epidermis. In fact, it also affects the hair, leading to discoloration. Some patients even report discoloration in the eyelids, eyebrows, eyelashes, etc.
Another differentiating factor lies in the causes. There are reports that depict that the onset of segmental vitiligo isn’t associated with other autoimmune disorders, which is not the case with other types of vitiligo like non-segmental vitiligo.
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How is Segmental Vitiligo Diagnosed?
Since segmental vitiligo isn’t the most common type of vitiligo, the diagnosis involves a multi-step approach, especially since at Kayakalp Global, we believe that effective treatment starts with a comprehensive diagnosis.
The following are a few factors that are considered when it comes to confirming the diagnosis of segmental vitiligo in patients:
- The first step is to analyze the symptoms in the patient. If the white patches are spreading quickly and localized on one side of the body, that’s the biggest sign that it’s segmental vitiligo.
- The second step is to assess the patient’s medical history to understand potential triggers that could be contributing to the onset of the symptoms.
Based on the findings from the above two steps, our specialists can confirm whether or not the patient has segmental vitiligo and tailor the treatment plan based on their needs.
| Related: Is Vitiligo Related to Hereditary Or is It Genetic |
How is Segmental Vitiligo Treated at Kayakalp Global?
With over 2,00,000+ patients treated successfully, Kayakalp Global has established itself as a pioneer in the field of vitiligo treatment in India.
Our integrated approach leverages the power of allopathy and Ayurveda to re-pigment the discoloration and the white patches on the skin. The treatment is always personalized to the patient’s needs, age, and their concerns.
The line of treatment for segmental vitiligo is entirely different than non-segmental vitiligo. Since segmental vitiligo has a tendency to spread a lot more quickly compared to the other types, being quick with the treatment and being dedicated to the treatment process is key.
The treatment plan involves a complete package, which includes topical ointments and medication, both of which are targeted toward re-pigmentation of the skin. Our specialists time and time confirm that the first nine months after the onset of the first sign of segmental vitiligo and the start of the treatment is crucial. It is necessary that the patient adheres to the treatment plan diligently for the first nine months to ensure optimal re-pigmentation and the development of the natural skin tone.
You can find more on segmental vitiligo, its manifestations, and a case study from Kayakalp Global in this video here.
| Related: Is Vitiligo Can Be Cured Permanently Through Ayurvedic Treatment |
Conclusion
Segmental vitiligo is one of those types of vitiligo that demands early diagnosis, followed by an immediate treatment plan. If you aren’t paying close attention to the symptoms, that’s the first thing you need to correct. Since this type has a tendency to spread very quickly, proper treatment with dedication is the need of the hour.
Kayakalp Global offers holistic, integrated, and effective treatment results for segmental vitiligo that will not just re-pigment your skin for a more uniform skin tone but also ensure improved quality of life and better psychological well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does segmental vitiligo go away on its own?
Segmental vitiligo is characterized mainly by a swift change in skin color on one side of the body, which is a common symptom of this type. The depigmentation that occurs with segmental vitiligo usually diminishes within 1-3 years (variable from person to person). Once the spreading stops, the majority of individuals with segmental vitiligo do not develop new patches or spots.
2. Is segmental vitiligo a stable type?
Segmental vitiligo is one of the fastest-spreading types of vitiligo, which is why it is often considered the “most dangerous” type. That said, it spreads for a few years in the patients and eventually becomes stable too.
