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Psoriasis acne. Psoriasis Signs and Symptoms: A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding and Managing This Skin Condition

by alexxlab

What are the key signs and symptoms of psoriasis. How can you differentiate psoriasis from other skin conditions. What triggers psoriasis flare-ups. How is psoriasis diagnosed and treated. What are the different types of psoriasis. How does psoriasis impact quality of life. What are the latest advancements in psoriasis treatment.

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Understanding Psoriasis: More Than Just a Skin Condition

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that primarily affects the skin, causing rapid cell turnover and inflammation. This results in the formation of thick, scaly patches on various parts of the body. While often mistaken for a mere cosmetic issue, psoriasis is a complex disorder with far-reaching implications for overall health and well-being.

Is psoriasis contagious? No, psoriasis is not contagious. It cannot be transmitted from person to person through physical contact or any other means. This misconception often leads to unnecessary social stigma and isolation for those affected by the condition.

The Autoimmune Nature of Psoriasis

In psoriasis, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, triggering an accelerated growth cycle. Normal skin cells typically mature and shed every 28 to 30 days. However, in individuals with psoriasis, this process occurs in just 3 to 4 days, resulting in the accumulation of immature cells on the skin’s surface.

Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Psoriasis

Identifying psoriasis can be challenging, as its manifestations can vary widely from person to person. However, there are several common signs and symptoms to watch for:

  • Red, inflamed patches of skin
  • Thick, silvery-white scales
  • Dry, cracked skin that may bleed
  • Itching, burning, or soreness
  • Thickened, pitted, or ridged nails
  • Swollen and stiff joints

Do psoriasis symptoms always appear symmetrically? While psoriasis often affects both sides of the body symmetrically, this is not always the case. Some individuals may experience asymmetrical patterns, particularly in the early stages of the condition or in certain types of psoriasis.

The Psychological Impact of Psoriasis

Beyond the physical manifestations, psoriasis can have a significant psychological impact on those affected. Many individuals with psoriasis experience:

  • Low self-esteem and poor body image
  • Anxiety and depression
  • Social isolation and relationship difficulties
  • Reduced quality of life

Can psoriasis affect mental health? Yes, the visible nature of psoriasis and its chronic, unpredictable course can lead to significant psychological distress. Studies have shown that individuals with psoriasis are at higher risk for depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders.

Exploring the Different Types of Psoriasis

Psoriasis manifests in several distinct forms, each with its own unique characteristics and treatment considerations:

1. Plaque Psoriasis

The most common form of psoriasis, affecting about 80-90% of those with the condition. It is characterized by raised, red patches covered with silvery-white scales, typically found on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back.

2. Guttate Psoriasis

Often triggered by strep throat or other infections, guttate psoriasis appears as small, drop-shaped lesions on the trunk, arms, legs, and scalp. It is more common in children and young adults.

3. Inverse Psoriasis

This type affects skin folds, such as those in the armpits, groin, and under the breasts. It appears as smooth, red, inflamed patches without the typical scaling.

4. Pustular Psoriasis

Characterized by white, pus-filled blisters surrounded by red skin. It can occur in localized areas or cover most of the body in severe cases (generalized pustular psoriasis).

5. Erythrodermic Psoriasis

The least common but most severe form, erythrodermic psoriasis can cover the entire body with a red, peeling rash that can be intensely itchy and painful. It requires immediate medical attention.

Can an individual have more than one type of psoriasis? Yes, it’s possible for a person to experience multiple types of psoriasis simultaneously or at different times throughout their life. The type of psoriasis can also change over time or in response to various triggers.

Unraveling the Triggers of Psoriasis Flare-Ups

While the exact cause of psoriasis remains unknown, several factors can trigger or exacerbate flare-ups:

  1. Stress: Emotional stress is a common trigger for psoriasis flares.
  2. Infections: Strep throat, skin infections, and other illnesses can provoke outbreaks.
  3. Skin injury: Cuts, scrapes, sunburns, or other trauma to the skin (known as the Koebner phenomenon).
  4. Medications: Certain drugs, including lithium, antimalarial medications, and beta-blockers.
  5. Weather: Cold, dry conditions often worsen symptoms, while sunlight may improve them for some.
  6. Alcohol consumption: Excessive drinking can increase the risk of flare-ups.
  7. Smoking: Tobacco use is associated with increased psoriasis severity.

How can identifying triggers help manage psoriasis? Recognizing and avoiding personal triggers can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of flare-ups, leading to better overall disease management and improved quality of life.

Diagnosing Psoriasis: The Path to Proper Treatment

Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective psoriasis management. Dermatologists typically employ the following methods:

  • Physical examination: A thorough inspection of the skin, nails, and scalp.
  • Medical history: Discussion of symptoms, family history, and potential triggers.
  • Skin biopsy: In some cases, a small skin sample may be taken for microscopic examination.
  • Differential diagnosis: Ruling out other skin conditions with similar appearances.

Is a skin biopsy always necessary to diagnose psoriasis? While a skin biopsy can provide definitive confirmation, experienced dermatologists can often diagnose psoriasis based on its characteristic appearance and distribution. Biopsies are typically reserved for atypical cases or when the diagnosis is uncertain.

The Importance of Early Diagnosis

Early detection and treatment of psoriasis can help prevent disease progression, minimize complications, and improve long-term outcomes. Prompt diagnosis also allows for earlier intervention in associated conditions, such as psoriatic arthritis, which affects up to 30% of individuals with psoriasis.

Treatment Options: Managing Psoriasis Effectively

While there is no cure for psoriasis, a wide range of treatments can help control symptoms and improve quality of life. Treatment approaches typically depend on the severity and type of psoriasis, as well as individual patient factors.

Topical Treatments

Often the first line of defense, topical treatments include:

  • Corticosteroids: Reduce inflammation and slow cell turnover.
  • Vitamin D analogues: Help slow skin cell growth.
  • Retinoids: Normalize DNA activity in skin cells.
  • Calcineurin inhibitors: Reduce inflammation and plaque buildup.
  • Coal tar: Reduces scaling, itching, and inflammation.
  • Salicylic acid: Promotes shedding of dead skin cells.

Phototherapy

Controlled exposure to ultraviolet light can slow skin cell turnover and reduce inflammation. Options include:

  • Narrowband UVB therapy
  • Psoralen plus ultraviolet A (PUVA)
  • Excimer laser therapy

Systemic Medications

For moderate to severe psoriasis, oral or injectable medications may be prescribed:

  • Methotrexate: Suppresses the immune system and slows skin cell growth.
  • Cyclosporine: Suppresses the immune system to reduce inflammation.
  • Acitretin: An oral retinoid that can help with severe psoriasis.
  • Apremilast: Inhibits an enzyme involved in inflammation.

Biologics

These newer, targeted therapies work by blocking specific components of the immune system involved in psoriasis:

  • TNF-alpha inhibitors (e.g., adalimumab, etanercept)
  • IL-17 inhibitors (e.g., secukinumab, ixekizumab)
  • IL-23 inhibitors (e.g., guselkumab, risankizumab)

How do biologics differ from traditional systemic medications? Biologics are genetically engineered proteins that target specific parts of the immune system, offering potentially greater efficacy and fewer side effects compared to broader immunosuppressants. However, they are typically reserved for more severe cases due to their cost and potential risks.

Living with Psoriasis: Strategies for Daily Management

Managing psoriasis extends beyond medical treatments. Lifestyle modifications and self-care practices play a crucial role in controlling symptoms and improving overall well-being:

Skin Care Routine

  • Moisturize regularly to prevent dryness and reduce scaling.
  • Use gentle, fragrance-free skincare products.
  • Take lukewarm baths with colloidal oatmeal or Epsom salts to soothe skin.
  • Apply moisturizer immediately after bathing to lock in hydration.

Stress Management

  • Practice relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga.
  • Engage in regular physical exercise.
  • Seek support through therapy or support groups.
  • Prioritize adequate sleep and rest.

Diet and Nutrition

While no specific diet has been proven to cure psoriasis, some dietary changes may help reduce inflammation and improve overall health:

  • Increase consumption of omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish, flaxseed, and walnuts).
  • Incorporate anti-inflammatory foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
  • Limit alcohol intake and avoid tobacco use.
  • Maintain a healthy weight, as obesity can exacerbate psoriasis symptoms.

Can dietary changes alone control psoriasis? While diet can play a supportive role in managing psoriasis, it’s generally not sufficient as a standalone treatment. A holistic approach combining medical treatments, lifestyle modifications, and proper skincare is typically most effective.

The Future of Psoriasis Treatment: Emerging Therapies and Research

The field of psoriasis treatment is rapidly evolving, with ongoing research exploring new therapeutic avenues:

JAK Inhibitors

Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors are a newer class of oral medications that show promise in treating psoriasis and other inflammatory conditions. These drugs work by blocking specific signaling pathways involved in inflammation.

IL-36 Inhibitors

Researchers are investigating the potential of drugs that target interleukin-36 (IL-36), a cytokine involved in certain types of psoriasis, particularly generalized pustular psoriasis.

Personalized Medicine

Advances in genetic research and biomarker identification may lead to more personalized treatment approaches, allowing physicians to predict which therapies will be most effective for individual patients.

Microbiome Research

Studies are exploring the role of the skin microbiome in psoriasis, with the potential for developing probiotic or microbiome-based treatments.

How might these emerging therapies change psoriasis treatment in the future? As our understanding of psoriasis pathogenesis deepens, new targeted therapies may offer more effective and personalized treatment options with fewer side effects, potentially improving long-term outcomes and quality of life for individuals with psoriasis.

Psoriasis and Comorbidities: Understanding the Bigger Picture

Psoriasis is more than just a skin condition; it’s increasingly recognized as a systemic inflammatory disorder associated with various comorbidities:

Psoriatic Arthritis

Up to 30% of people with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis, a form of inflammatory arthritis that can cause joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent joint damage.

Cardiovascular Disease

Individuals with psoriasis have an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems. This risk is thought to be related to chronic inflammation and shared risk factors.

Metabolic Syndrome

Psoriasis is associated with a higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome components, including obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia.

Mental Health Disorders

Depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues are more common in people with psoriasis, likely due to both the psychological impact of the condition and shared inflammatory pathways.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

There’s a higher incidence of inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis among individuals with psoriasis.

Why is awareness of comorbidities important in psoriasis management? Understanding the potential comorbidities associated with psoriasis allows for more comprehensive care, early screening, and preventive measures. This holistic approach can lead to better overall health outcomes and improved quality of life for individuals with psoriasis.

Screening and Management of Comorbidities

Regular screening for associated conditions is an essential part of psoriasis care. This may include:

  • Regular blood pressure and cholesterol checks
  • Diabetes screening
  • Assessment for signs of psoriatic arthritis
  • Mental health evaluations
  • Cardiovascular risk assessments

Management of psoriasis comorbidities often requires a multidisciplinary approach, involving collaboration between dermatologists, rheumatologists, cardiologists, and other specialists as needed.

Psoriasis: Signs and symptoms

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Types of Psoriasis | Everyday Health

What Is Plaque Psoriasis?

Plaque psoriasis, also called psoriasis vulgaris, is the most common type.

Between 80 and 90 percent of people with psoriasis have this form. (2)

Plaque psoriasis is characterized by raised, scaly patches of skin. On white skin, the patches, known as plaques, are often red or pink, with silvery-white scale. On skin of color plaques may appear salmon with silvery-white scale, or violet or dark brown with gray scale.

Plaques can crop up on any area of the body but are commonly found on the knees, elbows, scalp, or back.

The plaques can cause:

  • Burning
  • Pain
  • Itchiness
  • Cracking
  • Bleeding

What Is Guttate Psoriasis?

Guttate psoriasis is the second most common psoriasis type, affecting about 8 percent of people with psoriasis. (3)

Guttate psoriasis, from the Latin for “raindrop shaped,” causes small, dot-like spots on the body. These lesions frequently appear on the upper arms, trunk, thighs, or scalp.

Often, this form of psoriasis starts in childhood or young adulthood.

Guttate psoriasis can be triggered by a strep infection, tonsillitis, stress, a skin injury, or certain medication (such as beta-blockers). Sometimes genetic factors are to blame.

Guttate psoriasis may clear up on its own, but certain cases require treatment. Some patients may experience guttate psoriasis just once, while others may find it leads to plaque psoriasis.

What Is Inverse Psoriasis?

With inverse psoriasis, people develop smooth, shiny lesions in body folds. On skin of color the lesions may be purplish, brown, or darker than the surrounding skin, while on white skin the lesions are bright red.

These lesions typically appear on creased areas of the body where skin meets skin, such as the underarms, behind the knees, under the breasts, near the buttocks and genitals, or on the groin.

This condition can cause sore skin, which may worsen if you sweat or rub the area.

It’s sometimes triggered by a buildup of yeast.

Some people who develop inverse psoriasis also suffer from another form of psoriasis. (5)

What Is Erythrodermic Psoriasis?

This is an uncommon but very serious form of psoriasis. About 2 percent of people with psoriasis will develop erythrodermic psoriasis in their lifetime. (6)

This type usually occurs in people who have uncontrolled plaque psoriasis.

Erythrodermic psoriasis causes extremely red or otherwise discolored skin that affects most of the body. (6)

Symptoms include:

  • Burning
  • Peeling
  • Severe itching
  • Pain
  • Fast heart rate
  • Change in body temperature

If you have erythrodermic psoriasis, you’ll need immediate treatment, as it can be a life-threatening condition.

This form of psoriasis can cause complications, such as protein and fluid loss, infection, pneumonia, severe swelling, or congestive heart failure.

Erythrodermic psoriasis may be triggered by:

  • A severe sunburn
  • An allergic reaction to a medicine
  • Suddenly stopping psoriasis treatment
  • An infection
  • Certain drugs, such as lithium, cortisone, antimalarial medicines, or coal tar products

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Acne, allergies, psoriasis: what does the skin tell us?

21,731

Health and beauty Listen to your body

When I meet people who do not see the relationship between skin diseases and a person’s state of mind, I ask: “Have you ever blushed? From embarrassment, excitement, excitement? Shame hyperemia is a perfect illustration of a clear relationship. We all get angry, happy or upset. And redness is a normal physiological reaction of the body in response to an experienced emotion. But, unfortunately, skin “whims” are not limited to this.

According to statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO), 22% of the world’s population suffers from skin diseases. And this is only official data – in reality, this percentage is much higher.

The skin is the outer covering of the human body, a complex organ responsible for many functions

The skin is able to protect the body from external influences, participates in the process of respiration, thermoregulation, metabolic and many other processes. But most importantly, it performs a prescription function. This is one of the most sensitive organs. The entire surface of the skin is covered with hundreds of thousands of receptors that receive information and transmit it to the cerebral cortex.

The skin is the first to feel cold, heat, pain, chills, giving us signals in the form of a change in its condition. In other words, this is the boundary between the outside world and the internal organs, and therefore, the internal state of mind of a person. And problems begin when the harmony of this contact is broken. As a result, skin diseases occur. For many patients, this is a real torment, because the treatment of such diseases, as a rule, takes a lot of time and money.

What the skin is trying to tell us

Most often, skin problems indicate a person’s shame in front of himself or excessive dependence on third-party opinions, as well as open or hidden fear, impatience or unwillingness to come to terms with this or that given, about suppressed anger and hidden resentment.

Emotional response is reflected on the skin in the form of painful manifestations, when the contact of this person with the outside world is broken, that is, does not correspond to the aspirations and intentions of the person. It can be either excessive or insufficient.

It is important to understand that our consciousness operates with the categories of “our” or “alien”, and not only in relation to material things. For example, when we choose new clothes, on an unconscious level, this happens precisely according to the “own / alien” mechanism, only at the level of tactile sensations. You will not voluntarily wear unpleasantly prickly wool and do not put on winter boots in the hot summer – this is uncomfortable. The same principle our brain uses when it comes to intentions, feelings, thoughts, desires and decisions.

Therefore, in the non-material sphere, it is extremely important to observe the harmony of contact between the “I” and the outside world

. This is an unconscious way to shield yourself from physical or mental interactions with reality.

The fear of rejection works in the same way. The more a person rejects the “value of himself” in the Universe, the stronger his unconscious fear of being really rejected. Reaching a certain level, this fear can trigger the development of an inferiority complex, which, in turn, will immediately appear as a “note” on his skin.

And most often this “note” is not alone – it is accompanied by skin manifestations of other internal problems, for example, the inability to internally make a decision regarding any conflict. We forbid ourselves to make mistakes and condemn ourselves for the mere intention to act in one way or another.

How to decipher specific symptoms

Allergies

Too often you have a person around you that you can’t stand. Your internal irritation has begun to surface in the form of an allergy.

Psoriasis

Atonement. Once you committed an act for which you are chronically ashamed. You carry it in yourself, blaming only yourself for what happened. Psoriasis will disappear when you either come to terms with your misdeed or find a way to justify yourself to the injured person.

Itching

Disturbs patients who are often in a state of irritation.

Boils

Obvious hatred. The object of such hatred does not have to be a person, perhaps it is some kind of incident that caused extreme indignation. This is a symptom of the highest degree of anger towards someone or something.

Dry skin

A sign that you have to wear a mask for too long. Often, dry skin occurs in mothers raising children alone. Constantly trying to be strong, a woman gets tired and wants someone to understand that fragility, resentment and femininity hide behind her strength.

Exercise: Understand Your Skin and Yourself

Take a piece of paper and describe your skin with quality adjectives. What is she? Dry, flabby, flabby? Soft, velvety, fresh? Have you written? Now re-read and get to know yourself – after all, all these epithets refer to your state of mind. This is how you see yourself inside.

Each pathology rests on a distorted perception of the outside world or oneself, on emotions experienced but not released, on fear born in childhood, on aggression from the authorities or the second half.

I really liked this quote from the Internet: “The skin is our largest organ. She protects and protects us, literally tells us how we feel. The skin can be soft and sensitive, very vulnerable and delicate. As thick-skinned as we want to appear, there are millions of nerve endings in our skin, naked, feeling too much. We try to avoid pain, but sometimes that’s not possible. And there is only one thing left – to feel.

Psychiatrist, psychotherapist, founder of the Territory Medical Center (St. Petersburg), which treats psychosomatic disorders.

Text: Anastasia Treshchevskaya Photo Source: Unsplash

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Skin with acne, psoriasis, eczema, rosacea and vitiligo: how to help and not harm

Author of the book Johanna Gilbro What Your Skin Dreams of had vitiligo as a child — and considered it her specialty. In adolescence, the skin with “spotting” and attitudes towards it led to an endless series of attempts to get rid of it. Nothing helped, but it was this that opened the world of dermatology and cosmetology for Johanna. Then she realized that excessive use of cosmetics does not lead to anything good. Thus was born a book about what our skin really needs, and, of course, a separate chapter in it is devoted to skin diseases. We publish an excerpt below – and together we will learn how to deal with acne , psoriasis, eczema, rosacea, vitiligo and melasma .

Acne

The source of acne is in the sebaceous glands, the excretory ducts of which lead to the hair follicle. In adolescence, the occurrence of acne is the norm, as the level of circulating hormones is high. Women suffer from acne more than men and may blame it on their lack of privacy.

In recent years, the number of people suffering from inflammatory skin diseases has increased significantly: 80% of adolescents and up to 65% of adults. In the United States of America, acne is the most common reason for seeking medical attention. In some regions where this problem was not previously known at all, there is a clear upward trend in skin diseases. This is due to many factors; in this book, I will touch on just a few: diet, use of various skincare and makeup products, lifestyle, and microbiome imbalances. Interestingly, the problem of acne is pronounced in those countries where skin cleansing and the use of cosmetics are widespread. The idea that cleansers cure acne is a myth that is hard to eradicate! Another major cause of acne is dieting.

Today there are various forms of acne treatment. The most powerful tool, which, however, has a number of side effects, is a large dose of vitamin A. Often you have to resort to antibiotics. In some cases, doctors prescribe birth control to reduce the activity of the sebaceous glands. Rosacea

Rosacea 90 092 is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease. There are four types. The most common is intermittent redness with residual marks (erythema) in the center of the face. Over time, redness turns into a network of superficial blood vessels. The second type is expressed by constant reddening of the skin, as well as acne, which either appears or disappears. A characteristic sign of the third type is enlarged coarse pores in the nose. The fourth type of rosacea is associated with inflammation of the outer parts of the eye, accompanied by dryness, redness in the area of ​​​​the eyelashes, increased production of tear fluid and the appearance of styes.

Rosacea affects both men and women, most often between the ages of 45 and 60. The disease is most common among people living in Northern Europe. Perioral dermatitis is an ailment similar to rosacea that appears as skin redness, small nodules and pimple-like rashes around the mouth, sometimes under the nose. The exact cause of rosacea is still not clear. The main explanation is heredity, but scientists believe that the disease is also associated with impaired immune systems and increased sensitivity of nerve endings.

On the skin of patients with rosacea, a population of a small mite grows – “acne gland”, or Demodex folliculorum. More often, this mite appears in a certain amount on the skin, in hair follicles and sebaceous glands. In addition to skin, mites also live in bedding. One theory for rosacea is that demodex waste products cause an inflammatory response in the skin.

Popular

There is a medical link between rosacea and autoimmune diseases such as diabetes, celiac disease (gluten intolerance) and rheumatism. Rosacea is not as well understood as acne, but new research shows that it has a powerful psychosocial effect that can lead to social discomfort and depression. It is interesting to note that men in connection with this disease experience more serious psychological trauma than women. The most accepted treatments for rosacea today are antibiotics and azelaic acid.

Psoriasis

The most common form, plaque psoriasis, is characterized by distinct red and scaly lesions on the elbows and knees, on the scalp and at the roots of the hair. But the symptoms of the disease can vary.

Is it possible to get psoriasis? No. Scientists are inclined to believe that this disease is associated with the human genetic background and an autoimmune reaction. In other words, the malfunctioning of the body’s immune system, which “attacks” its own skin cells. Psoriasis can occur throughout life, but most patients show up before the age of 25. No difference was noted between men and women. In Europe, psoriasis occurs in 3-4% of the population. This disease is not typical for children, and in the age group over 50 occurs at least 5%. Geographical distribution is uneven: in southern Europe and the southern hemisphere of the Earth, the number of cases of psoriasis is lower than in the north. There is evidence that in Asia the number of people suffering from psoriasis is 0.1–0.5% of the population. These figures are approximate, since mild forms of the disease often do not fall into the field of view of specialists. Living with psoriasis is not easy: reddish hard plaques on the body are extremely unattractive, and patients often suffer from depression.

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The most common treatments today are creams with vitamin D analogues such as calcipotriol; they inhibit the growth of keratinocytes and counteract plaque formation. Cortisone creams are often used to reduce inflammation in the skin. UVB light therapy is also used. In severe cases, immunoregulatory agents or biological agents are considered. A possible cause of psoriasis could be a bacterial imbalance between the gut and the skin. More on this in the chapter on the skin microbiome.

Eczema – utopian dermatitis

Eczema is a chronic inflammatory disease in which dryness and itching appear on different parts of the body. It is the most common inflammatory skin disease, affecting 15–30 percent of children and 2–10 percent of adults. Eczema is caused by a mutation in one of the skin proteins, filaggrin, and can manifest as allergies or asthma. In addition, there is an obvious connection between eczema symptoms and Western lifestyles.

The degree of development of eczema depends on the condition of the intestine. We will discuss this in more detail in the microbiome and lifestyle chapter.

The most common treatments for eczema today are emollients and moisturizers. In addition, various cortisone creams or tacrolimus, a relatively new immunoregulatory substance, are used. Ultraviolet is also very useful for eczema. Any person with eczema who has traveled to hot countries knows the relief that sunlight brings.

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Vitiligo

“tentacles” that evenly distribute the pigment in the skin. The condition that occurs in these cases is called vitiligo and appears as white patches on the skin. The disease is quite common – affects 0.5-2 percent of the population. However, in reality, these figures may be higher, because many patients do not go to the doctor.

Schallreuther, a German dermatologist who specializes in the relationship between vitiligo and oxidative stress, defines the threshold beyond which the disease sets in. This topic requires further development, in particular, for the creation of therapy. Different research groups have put forward different theories about what exactly causes the white patches of vitiligo, but it is known for sure that antibodies in the skin of patients appear against certain melanocyte proteins that attack the cells.

There are three types of vitiligo. The most common, vitiligo vulgaris, is characterized by symmetrical patches on both knees, both legs, both arms, and so on. The second is called vitiligo segmentalis, or segmental vitiligo, which affects one side of the body. The third type – fokal vitiligo, or focal vitiligo – is manifested by one or more small spots.

Fashion model Winnie Harlow made vitiligo her hallmark and is now one of the most sought-after fashion models in the world. Since vitiligo does not cause itching or pain and is only treated for cosmetic defects, Harlow is a role model in turning imperfection into strength and uniqueness.

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There is no standard treatment for vitiligo yet. However, on the next page we will look at the effects of PC-KUS cream and climatotherapy. Before I started researching vitiligo, I tried various treatments that are still offered to patients: tacrolimus, light therapy, and even melanocyte transplantation from pigmented skin. But nothing helped, and the procedures only worsened the condition of my skin.

Melasma – reverse vitiligo

If the amount of pigment increases sharply in large areas of the skin, it is most likely melasma. Some women develop large brown spots on their face during pregnancy or when using birth control pills in the summer. The only thing that helps in such cases is sunscreen with a very high protection factor or stopping the use of hormonal contraceptives. The condition of the skin during pregnancy may improve after childbirth.

Melasma may be associated with impaired thyroid function. It is difficult to treat it, a miracle cure, alas, does not exist. Dermatologists prescribe azelaic acid or isotretinoin cream, but this does not always give the desired result. Unfortunately, there are many medications recommended on the internet that can harm the skin. In particular, products containing hydroquinone can cause blue-black pigmentation or permanent white spots as a side effect.