Here are 5 symptoms of vitiligo in an ordinary baby

Does your baby's skin have a different color or scratch? If this is the case, your baby may have a pigment disorder called vitiligo.

Vitiligo in infants is not deadly or contagious. But this scratched skin disease certainly still makes parents nervous because it affects the appearance of their baby.

What is vitiligo?

Vitiligo is a skin disorder that prevents melanocyte cells from producing melanin normally. As a result, melanin cannot produce the pigment that should be your skin color.

Without pigment, skin color will automatically turn white or pale. Every baby can experience vitiligo, but vitiligo spots will appear more clearly in dark-skinned patients.

According to one study, 50% of people with vitiligo are under 20 years old. Even 25% of these patients were detected with this skin condition before they were eight years old.

What are the symptoms of vitiligo in infants?
The symptoms of vitiligo in babies are the same as the symptoms of vitiligo in general, namely:

The skin experiences color differences, where the color becomes younger. This condition can occur on the skin around the mouth and on the eyes, fingers, wrists, armpits and around the genitals.
Pigment changes not only occur in the skin, but also in hair, eyelashes and eyebrows.
Mucous membranes can also be touched and rejuvenated, for example in the mouth.
Discoloration of the inner lining of the eye or retina.
Hair loss.

What causes vitiligo in infants?

There are various theories about the causes of vitiligo, but there is no research that can clearly determine the trigger. Some of these theories include:

An autoimmune disease, a disease in which the immune system is mistaken and attacks melanocyte cells.
Heredity More than 30% of babies with vitiligo have family members who also have the same disease.
Exposure to sunlight. It is also believed that the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays affect a person's risk of vitiligo.
Exposure to chemicals. The content of chemicals in baby care products is also considered to affect the risk of vitiligo in babies. Therefore, be careful in choosing baby products and ensure safety.

In addition, babies who have a family history of thyroid disease, diabetes, and hair loss (alopecia) are also considered to be at higher risk for getting vitiligo.

However, to make sure your baby has vitiligo or not, you need help and consult a doctor. Your doctor can do a series of tests to confirm the diagnosis of this skin disorder.

Can vitiligo be cured?

Unfortunately, there is no specific treatment that can cure vitiligo in infants. Some spots may fade as your baby gets older, even if you don't care for them.

For stains on vitiligo in infants that do not heal, you can consult and discuss treatments according to your doctor. Do not give medicine to your baby without precautions to avoid things that are not desirable.