Vitiligo
Skin condition
Vitiligo is a pigmentation disorder characterised by the appearance of areas of skin that gradually lose their colour. This occurs due to the loss of melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin, the pigment responsible for the colour of the skin, hair and eyes. Vitiligo has a multifactorial aetiology: according to the Convergence Theory, the loss of melanocytes is caused by the interaction of various factors, including genetic predisposition, oxidative stress, alterations in the immune system and environmental or mechanical stimuli.
Among the proposed mechanisms is also melanocytorrhagia, according to which, in vitiligo, melanocytes have a reduced ability to adhere to the epidermis, making them more prone to detachment following oxidative stress, trauma or repeated friction. The resulting loss of melanocytes may contribute to the appearance or spread of depigmented areas. This mechanism may explain the Koebner phenomenon, namely the appearance of new vitiligo lesions in areas subjected to trauma or friction.
Incidence
Worldwide, it has a prevalence of 0.5–2%, rising to 9% in countries such as India, Mexico and Japan. Vitiligo usually appears between the ages of 10 and 30. Onset before the age of 12 occurs in 35% of cases. Studies report similar rates among males and females.
Symptoms
The condition is characterised by the presence of milky-white lesions of varying shape and size. They are mainly found in the body’s skin folds and in areas most exposed to the sun. There are currently three recognised clinical forms: non-segmental (with bilateral and symmetrical lesions, predominantly affecting the acrofacial region), segmental (characterised by unilateral distribution and rapid involvement of the hair), and mixed (with a segmental onset and subsequent progression to the non-segmental form). In particular, the most commonly affected areas are the face, hands, fingers, wrists, elbows, knees, armpits, groin, genital area and scalp (Figure 1). In some patients, depigmentation of the hair is also observed, caused by a reduction in melanocytes within the hair follicles. Vitiligo is primarily a condition with aesthetic and psychological implications, as it is generally not associated with physical symptoms or functional impairment of the skin. However, the depigmented areas, lacking the protection provided by melanin, are more susceptible to erythema and sunburn, even following normal daily exposure to sunlight, making adequate sun protection essential.
Vitiligo test and Ultra 100-Protector
Assessment of the effectiveness of Ultra 100-Protector moisturizing fluid
Suitable for people with vitiligo
Protocol
- 20 subjects (> 18 years) with vitiligo on exposed areas of the body (face, arms, legs).
- The product was used for 21 days whilst spending time outdoors. A clinical evaluation of the product’s tolerability was carried out under the supervision of a dermatologist. Physical signs (e.g. dryness, erythema and scaling) and functional signs reported by the subjects (e.g. itching, a burning sensation, heat) were monitored.
Results
- 100% of participants tolerated the product on their skin.
- 95% of participants believe the product is effective at protecting areas affected by vitiligo from the sun.
- 90% of participants believe the product is suitable for application to areas affected by vitiligo.
- 95% of participants believe the product has a pleasant texture that is quickly absorbed.
- 85% of participants believe the product does not leave the skin feeling greasy/oily.
Conclusions
Based on the experimental conditions used, daily application of RILASTIL® ULTRA 100-PROTECTOR Moisturizing Fluid for 21 days demonstrated adequate protection and tolerability in 100% of participants, making it particularly suitable for those with vitiligo on exposed areas of the body.
Rilastil Ultra 100-Protector
Moisturizing fluid
Very high protection spf 50+ also for alterations in sensitive, reactive skin or with light phototype.
Moisturizing emulsion indicated to protect even in case of skin alteration and sensitive, reactive skin, in particular people with light phototype. The ultralight texture is readily absorbed, ensuring optimal skin comfort.
SPF UVA = 43,9 · SPF UVB = 114,2
Safety test
Efficacy test
News
Vitiligo is a chronic skin condition that has a negative aesthetic impact on the quality of life of those affected.
Ultra 100-Protector Moisturizing Fluid is the ideal product for keeping the skin moisturised and for protecting skin affected by vitiligo.
Ultra 100-Protector is the perfect everyday ally, which can also be used alongside outpatient dermatological treatments, thanks to its extremely high level of photoprotection. The UVB SPF (114.2) helps to significantly reduce the risk of sunburn, which is particularly important in areas that are depigmented and therefore more vulnerable to UV exposure, whilst the high UVA protection (UVA SPF 43.9) helps to protect the skin from the effects of oxidative stress induced by solar radiation, a process involved in damage to melanocytes.
