Vitiligo In Children: Tips To Consider
Beyond the medical implications in the strict sense, vitiligo in children requires special attention due to the psychosocial consequences that it entails. The little one needs solid support and guidance to cope with the effects of the disease.
In most cases, vitiligo in children is due to a family history of autoimmune diseases. It is a condition that can be seen with the naked eye, since it is characterized by the appearance of well-defined depigmented areas on the skin.
This happens because the melanocytes, which are the cells in charge of pigmentation, do not work correctly and are lost. The lesions appear in appearance as white spots, which can be of any shape and size, with various locations on the skin or mucosa.
How to deal with this disease in children? What treatments are available? Minors require special care and support in the face of this condition. Therefore, below we share some tips.
About vitiligo in children
Vitiligo is not a contagious disease, but it does have a significant impact on appearance. Based on this, it can be affirmed that, in the case of children, it has a greater impact from the psychosocial point of view.
Initially, the disease manifests itself in a segmental manner. Thus, the first spots appear in inconspicuous areas of the body, so they are not given much importance. This is a mistake, since your timely attention improves the prognosis.
Segmental type vitiligo is more common during childhood, compared to adults. Statistics indicate that around 2.16% of the world’s population suffers from this condition, and a third of that figure corresponds to children.
How to treat vitiligo in children?
To decide what type of treatment is given to vitiligo in children, the pediatrician or family doctor makes a referral to a specialist in dermatology. This will determine what the typology of this disease is and, from there, orients towards the therapeutic options.
Segmental vitiligo has a defined natural course, but non-segmental vitiligo is unpredictable. In the latter, it is necessary to perform tests to detect other autoimmune diseases. This allows the child’s profile to be traced to determine how to approach the problem.
Topical therapies are generally advised when 20% of the body surface is compromised. They may contain topical steroids, topical calcineurin inhibitors, and vitamin D.
Also, mineral complex body creams are often prescribed. Although they are products that are used in people of all ages, it has been shown to be effective. In turn, its use may be supplemented with phototherapy.
Phototherapy and sun protection
Various studies show that phototherapy is effective in treating vitiligo in children. Most commonly, a treatment known as PUVA is used. In this there are fewer side effects, which is very positive, since little ones are more sensitive to these compared to adults.
PUVA therapy consists of administering psoralen to the mouth or skin. This is a drug that is activated when the patient is exposed to light. Then ultraviolet radiation is applied. After its application, it produces repigmentation and stabilization. However, it increases the risk of cancer.
On the other hand, it is essential to guarantee sun protection, especially in areas affected by depigmentation. Although it is an extensive recommendation in all patients with vitiligo, in the case of children a lot of emphasis is placed, since they are the ones who tend to spend more time outdoors.
Other treatment options
Low-dose vitamin D3 supplements are sometimes indicated to treat vitiligo in children. While some recommend supplementing with herbal intakes, such as ginkgo biloba, it has not been shown to actually be effective.
In general, a diet that contains foods with vitamins A, C and D is advisable. Foods high in acid, folic, selenium, zinc and omega 3 fatty acids are also suitable.
Vitiligo must be treated and managed in a multidisciplinary way. The specialties involved in interconsultation are the following:
- Endocrinology.
- Rheumatology.
- Nutrition.
- Psychology.
- Psychiatry.
- Hematology.
- Developmental disorders.
- Gastroenterology
- Pediatrics.
Addressing emotions is important
In children, the psychological impact caused by this disease is even stronger than for anyone else. It is understood that minors feel depression, sadness or social rejection. It is a disease that becomes less bearable as it manifests itself in the most visible parts of the body.
For the little ones, who are in the process of growth, it is more difficult for them to understand the reason for their illness. As they get older, they even experience more distress and anxiety about the disease.
Therefore, once they start their schooling, it is advisable to start psychological therapy so that they can face their reality. This assistance should continue until puberty and adolescence, due to continuous emotional changes.
What to remember about vitiligo in children and its management?
As soon as the clinical manifestations of vitiligo in children become noticeable, it is essential to seek medical attention. This disease requires a multidisciplinary approach, since its management goes beyond the dermatological.
It is essential to provide psychological assistance to minors, since it is difficult for them to understand their illness and they may experience social rejection and depression.
