On World Vitiligo Day, 25/6, doctor Vo Thi Doan Phuong, Head of Clinical Department 3 at Ho Chi Minh City Hospital of Dermatology, stated that vitiligo is a common skin pigmentation disorder. It occurs when pigment cells are destroyed or lose function, leading to distinct white patches on the body.

The condition affects about 0,5-2% of the global population and can occur at any age, though it typically begins between 10 and 30 years old. Approximately 20-30% of patients have a family history of vitiligo.

According to doctor Phuong, a common misconception is that vitiligo is contagious. In reality, it is not an infectious disease and does not spread from person to person. The exact cause of vitiligo is not yet clearly identified; however, many studies indicate its association with genetic factors, immune disorders, oxidative stress, and neurological factors.

Early signs include the appearance of distinct, depigmented skin areas that do not flake, itch, or cause pain. Lesions often appear on the face, neck, hands, forearms, or genital area, and can be symmetrical on both sides of the body or localized to a single region.

While not life-threatening, vitiligo has a psychological impact, causing many individuals to feel self-conscious, avoid social interaction, and experience difficulties in their studies and work, especially when lesions appear on exposed skin areas like the face or hands. Additionally, some cases of vitiligo may be accompanied by other conditions such as thyroid disorders, diabetes, Addison’s disease, or alopecia areata.

According to doctor Phuong, the notion that "vitiligo cannot be cured" is no longer accurate. Many treatment methods are currently available, ranging from topical and oral medications to phototherapy using narrowband UVB rays or excimer light. Treatment effectiveness largely depends on the timing of diagnosis. Small lesions treated early generally respond better, while areas like the hands and feet are often difficult to repigment.

Patients need to persevere with treatment, adhere to their doctor's instructions, and avoid self-medication. They should also limit stress, prevent skin damage, use sun protection, and undergo screening for accompanying conditions to reduce the risk of severe progression.

UVB light therapy for vitiligo at Ho Chi Minh City Hospital of Dermatology. Photo: *Hospital provided*

In addition to medical approaches, Ho Chi Minh City Hospital of Dermatology currently implements a non-cultured epidermal cell transplantation technique for patients with stable vitiligo. Master, doctor Huynh Thi Cong Nhan from the Department of Surgery explained that this technique involves taking a small skin sample from a healthy area, separating a suspension containing pigment cells, and then grafting it onto the depigmented area after preparing the lesion's surface.

The goal is to introduce healthy pigment cells to the white skin, helping to restore its natural color. This method is suitable for patients with stable vitiligo for at least 6 months, those with a lesion area covering less than 30% of their body, or cases with a poor response to medical and phototherapy treatments.

Compared to other surgical methods, this technique has advantages: it requires only a small skin area but can treat a much larger region, results in natural skin color restoration, has few complications, and does not require hospitalization. According to the doctor, the face, neck, and trunk generally respond better, while the extremities or thin skin areas yield less favorable results.

Vitiligo treatment at Ho Chi Minh City Hospital of Dermatology. Photo: *Hospital provided*

Ho Chi Minh City Hospital of Dermatology receives over 5,000 vitiligo patients annually, reflecting both the significant demand for treatment and the psychological burden caused by the condition. This year's World Vitiligo Day theme, "From Stigma to Strength", emphasizes eliminating social prejudice, raising community awareness, and supporting patients on their journey to regain confidence.

Le Phuong