Untold Secrets of Vitiligo
By: Vanessa Cano
How much do we know about the skin disorder, vitiligo? People with this disorder experience color loss in patches of their skin, but many believe that it is contagious and simply a cosmetic problem. This comes from a misunderstanding about the causes of vitiligo and the lack of concrete information researchers and dermatologists have today. Appearing to affect mainstream celebrities such as model, Winnie Harlow, or comedian, Graham Norton, the disorder itself remains slightly a mystery. The King of Pop himself, faced this disorder, determined to be hereditary. That is not always the case, nor is vitiligo contagious or a purely cosmetic issue.
Vitiligo is a medical condition that causes the death of melanocytes which are cells that produce melanin. Melanocytes are present in the epidermis and are responsible for melanin production. This disoder affecting 1 to 2 percent of the global population and does not discriminate sex or ethnicity. As of today, research has shown that the condition could be a mix of genetics, oxidative stress, and autoimmunity. Recent studies have documented that lymphocytes and cytokine may be responsible for the destruction of melanocytes, but there is also a strong indication that an autoimmune disease is responsible. On the other hand, segmental vitiligo may result from something in the body’s nervous system which also increases the risk of thyroid disease.
There are two main types of vitiligo, unilateral (segmental) and bilateral generalized). Unilateral vitiligo is more common in children and young adults, and only progresses for a limited period, whereas bilateral can begin at any age that progresses through life. The most interesting part of bilateral vitiligo are the symmetrical patterns of depigmentation throughout the body. However, researchers have been unable to find a definitive explanation.Unilateral is the opposite, affecting only one side of the body asymmetrically, but with repetitive patterns.
Though vitiligo is yet to have a cure, there are explanations to why melanocytes are destroyed in patients. One factor involves three inherited genes linked to vitiligo. Furthermore, melancotes require different culture conditions because of the individual’s sensitivity to phenolic chemicals, and undergo apoptosis (death of cell). And a third factor may be an environmental agent that may inhibit or activate the genes involved in setting the motion of apoptosis, causing an excessive immune reaction. But is depigmentation all they face?
Skin that has lost its natural color tends to sunburn more easily – however studies have proven that individuals with vitiligo do not have a higher chance of being diagnosed with skin cancer. In fact, a study showed that there is a paucity of reports of non-melanoma skin cancer in white , type IV,and dark skin.
Vitiligo therapy addresses the stabilization and repigmentation of the skin. Current treatment involves using a reservoir of hair follicles for repigmentation, but there are those who do not respond to this treatment. . Initial therapy includes topical corticosteroid medications, calcineurin inhibitors, and narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy. However, other options include total depigmentation, systemic steroid medications, oral mini pulse corticosteroid therapy, minocycline, and methotrexate.
Despite the unknown factors behind vitiligo, there is hope for a cure. One day in the future, the causes of vitiligo and the questions of epidermis and pigmentation will be answered.
The Perpetual Necessity of Skin
By: Avantika Samanta
We need our skin. The skin is not only the largest organ but it’s also one of the most important. It is strong, powerful,and can heal itself. It is vital that one understands their skin’s function, the layers and what each does. The skin does many things like regulating body temperature, preventing water loss and bacteria, protection from the sun, storing water and fat, and acting as the barrier between the organs and the environment. The thickness and color of the skin changes depending on where the skin is on one’s body, and changes based on what is needed. There are three layers of the skin, the Epidermis, Dermis, and Subcutaneous.
To start off with, the thinnest outermost layer is the epidermis. The thickness of the epidermis changes in different types of skin, being thin at the eyelids or thick at the soles of one’s feet. Along with this, the epidermis is water resistant and protects against ultraviolet radiation, bacteria, and other germs. It’s also responsible for the cell renewal cycle, which is when dead skin cells are replaced by new healthy cells which are developed deeper within this layer. The layer is made up of many specialized cells as well. First, there are the keratinocytes. These are cells that store keratin– which is a protein that strengthens the skin. They are the most predominant in the epidermis, and create Vitamin D that protects the skin from UV radiation. Next, there are Langerhans’ Cells, which help prevent infection and protect the immune system and are the skin’s “first line of defenders”. Melanocytes are also present, and these cells produce melanin which is the pigment that determines one’s skin color. Melanin acts as a built in sunscreen of sorts, protecting oneself from harmful UV radiation. Lastly,Squamous and Basal cells are thin flat cells. These can mutate and cause squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma, two very common forms of skin cancer.
Next comes the Dermis layer. This is the layer of skin found under the epidermis and its connective tissues provide flexibility and strength which is made possible by collagen and elastin. This layer contains most of the skin’s specialized cells. Blood vessels supply nutrients and oxygen to the skin and help to take away cell waste. Lymph Vessels contain cells that destroy any sort of infections or any invading organisms. The dermis also houses both apocrine and eccrine sweat glands. Apocrine glands encourage the growth of bacteria and are found only in the armpits and other regions. Eccrine glands are found throughout the body, and secrete mostly water. Sebaceous or oil glands can be found nearly everywhere except for the palms and soles of the feet, and secretes oil that waterproofs skin and fights against bacteria. Nerve endings are also present, and they help transmit feelings of pain, itch, pressure, or information requiring temperature. There are two sublayers in the dermis, the papillary and reticular layer. The papillary layer is a thin arrangement of collagen fibers that helps supply nutrients to certain layers of the epidermis and regulate body temperature. The reticular layer is made of thick collagen fibers not only strengthening the skin but also supporting other elements such as the sweat and sebaceous glands.
Finally, the Hypodermis, also known as the subcutis or subcutaneous layer. The hypodermis consists of fat and collagen cells, acting as an insulator, shock absorber, and protector of the organs. It not only conserves heat but also protects the body from injuries. The blood vessels throughout this layer are larger and connect to the rest of one’s body. It connects the outer layer of skin to the inner bones and more. The hypodermis is actually far thicker in females then it is in males.
We need skin to live. It’s a necessity. When a little kid gets a scar falling down, their skin regenerates and protects them. Skin is complex and understanding the intricate details is fascinating. Yet, the world focuses more on the color of one’s skin rather than the inner workings of it. Skin color is only melanin, it’s determined by only the slightest changes in DNA. Skin is necessary to survive yet people make it far harder to appreciate it by judging it based on color. So maybe, it really is important to understand our skin.
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