Vitiligo - manifestations in the intimate area

What do manifestations in the intimate area look like?                                  

Chronic autoimmune skin disease does not avoid intimate areas either. Vitiligo affects both sexes equally. What effect does depigmentation have on sex life and fertility? Are there treatments available?

Vitiligo is a chronic disease in which the skin loses melanin. It is typically manifested by irregular pale spots in the size of a small speck to large continuous areas, so-called macules. Vitiligo is by no means an isolated problem and affects 1-2% of people, while the disease often has a hereditary basis.

Scientists have not yet identified the exact cause of the disease, but based on the latest knowledge, they consider hormonal changes, childbirth, stress or contact with chemicals and neurochemicals (substances released by nerve endings) to be the triggers.

Areas of skin without natural pigment can appear virtually anywhere on the body. Not excluding intimate areas. Whereas depigmentation of this part of the body is relatively common and statistically affects 20% of people with vitiligo.

How does vitiligo manifest itself in the intimate area

Visually, vaginal vitiligo looks like small white spots that can appear on the external genitalia or inside the vagina in women. In men, vitiligo often appears on the foreskin or the penis itself. Vitiligo also affects hair, which is usually gray to white.

The final diagnosis, whether it really is vitiligo, can only be determined by a doctor based on an examination with a Wood's lamp (ultraviolet light).

Vitiligo and fertility

If you are suffering from vitiligo on your intimate areas, you are not alone. First of all, you have to realize that this is primarily an aesthetic problem. Vitiligo does not affect fertility in any way and does not affect the number of sperm or eggs.

Any other complications, such as burning when urinating, discharge in women or erectile problems in men, are a reason to visit a doctor (urologist or gynecologist) and are not related to vitiligo in any way.

Is it vitiligo or could it be something else?

Vitiligo does not cause physical discomfort in the first place and the skin retains its structure. Skin with localized white spots is smooth on the surface, does not itch and does not hurt. Sometimes the spots expand into larger formations, so-called maps. As vitiligo spreads, more sensitive people may experience slight itching.

Some skin diseases have a very similar course to vitiligo. Only a dermatologist can accurately determine the definitive diagnosis. One of the diseases that is often mistaken for vitiligo is "Lichen scerosus". It is a chronic disease that manifests itself in the loss of pigment in the area of ​​the genitals and anus. The disease is more common in postmenopausal women, but the disease is not sexually transmitted.

Unlike vitiligo, the skin gradually thins and later causes pain. A frequent manifestation is intense itching, which does not occur in vitiligo.

Treatment of vitiligo in the genital area

There is currently no cure for vitiligo, but we know of several ways to achieve partial repigmentation of the affected skin. The one on intimate parts should be approached with particular sensitivity and caution.

Good results can be achieved with a combination of creams and phototherapy. However, before you see the first results, count on several weeks of honest and regular treatment.

Vitiligo phototherapy 

In the treatment, UVB radiation with a wavelength of 311 nm is used, which has a very good therapeutic effect. You can also buy a special lamp and use it at home after instructions from a dermatologist. The parties are usually lit 2 to 3 times a week. The exposure time of the light is shorter in the treatment of vitiligo in the genital area, so always consult your doctor before any treatment.

In general, we do not use phototherapy on the male genitals, where the risk of skin cancer may increase. Male genital organs are poorly repigmented anyway due to low hair density. Women do not have these restrictions and can irradiate the genitals.

Special creams for vitiligo

Treatment options for vitiligo also include medications or creams to control depigmentation. For intimate areas, always choose special preparations with a gentle composition suitable for the sensitive skin of intimate parts.

Do not forget vitamins and minerals

Vitamins and minerals essential for skin health are an important part of the treatment. Our specially developed nutritional supplement Vitistop for slowing down vitiligo and restoring pigment contains all the necessary vitamins and minerals. Especially vitamins D, E and B, but also L-Tyrosine, an amino acid that can be converted into melanin in the body and the patented ingredient EXTRAMEL®.

Intimate area: vitiligo hurts especially the soul 

First of all, however, it should be remembered that vitiligo does not affect fertility in any way and is not contagious. White spots are really just an aesthetic problem and a greater susceptibility of the skin to sunburn.

Vitiligo does not threaten the patient's life, but it significantly interferes with the quality of life, especially psychologically. Spots on intimate areas can cause problems with intimacy and self-esteem. If you have vitiligo that affects your intimate life, do not hesitate to contact a psychologist who can help you and significantly improve your psychological well-being.

No matter where vitiligo is located on the body, today's treatments can slow down the disease or return the skin to at least some of its original color.

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