People withvitiligousually lose skin pigment in patches.
This loss of pigmentation can happen in and around thevagina.
Vitiligois a chronic condition that causes the skin to losemelanin, the substance that determines your skin color.
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Vitiligo isnt contagious or life-threatening.
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What Are Vitiligo Patches?
The patches may lose color only partially, or they might appear completely white.
Most people with vitiligodo not have any other symptoms, such as itching or pain.
Location and Appearance
People with vitiligo can experience depigmentation anywhere.
Color loss may also affect the eyes and hair.
Some people have both vitiligo and lichen sclerosus.
Like vitiligo, lichen sclerosus is not contagious, and it cant be sexually transmitted.
However, lichen sclerosus is linked to an increased risk of vulvar cancer.
It is not contagious, and you cant transmit it to a sexual partner.
In some cases, vitiligo may be an inherited condition.
Genital vitiligo is usually diagnosed as a form of segmental vitiligo.
It is also not related to poor hygiene, sexual health, or any contagious condition.
Vitiligo is never resulting from a bacterial infection or viral illness.
Vitiligo has been linked to social stigma, self-consciousness, depression, and a diminished quality of life.
They may also worry that a sexual partner will wonder if their condition is contagious.
If you have vitiligo, its important to build your confidence and cultivate a healthy self-image.
However, these treatments arent always as safe, practical, or effective for genital vitiligo.
Topical steroid creams can lead to side effects likeskin atrophy(thinning of the skin).
Light therapy often requires two to three sessions per week.
Usually prescribed by a dermatologist, TCIs have anti-inflammatory, immune-boosting properties.
They are also used to treat patients witheczema.
Many people choose not to seek medical treatment for vulvar vitiligo.
Summary
Vitiligo is a chronic condition that causes the skin to lose pigment in patches.
It is believed to be an autoimmune disease.
Vitiligo is not life-threatening or dangerous, but it can cause psychological distress.
Loss of pigmentation may occur anywhere on the body.
Children and adults with vitiligo may experience color loss in and around the vagina.
Vitiligo treatment options include topical medications, light therapy, camouflage therapy, and surgery.
Many of these treatment options arent as safe or effective in treating genital vitiligo.
Adermatologist, especially one who specializes in female genital dermatology, can explain your treatment options in more detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Vitiligo is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
It is not contagious, and it cant ever be transmitted to a sexual partner.
It also doesnt typically cause itching, burning, or pain in the genitals.
Vitiligo patches can appear anywhere on the body or face.
Color loss can also affect the hair and mucous membranes.
In many cases, vitiligo patches first appear on the hands, feet, genitals, or face.
Bring up the subject of vaginal vitiligo whenever it feels right to you.
Let your partner know what you need from them to feel confident and comfortable, especially during physical intimacy.
There is no known cure for vitiligo.
However, some people achieve repigmentation with consistent treatment.
Vitiligo treatment options include light therapy or topical medications, such as medicated ointments or creams.
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