7. Discoloration Of The Tissues Inside The Mouth And Nose
This discoloration caused by vitiligo can also occur inside the mouth and nose. Since there is a decrease in melanin in the skin cells, discoloration appears, not only on the face but inside the mouth and nose as well.
This is also known as oral mucosal depigmentation. Most of the time, it appears on the palate and lips.
6. Fatigue
Fatigue is not exactly a direct symptom of vitiligo but it can be manifested in individuals with the said condition.
In some cases, individuals with vitiligo may experience emotional or psychological stress due to the visible changes in their skin and this stress can cause sleepless nights that can contribute to feelings of exhaustion.
5. Pain
Vitiligo is not painful. If the individual with this condition experiences pain, it is because the affected area is more sensitive. For example, it is more prone to sunburn.
The white patches resulting from the absence of pigmentation in the skin make it more susceptible to burning under the sun. In some cases, the white patches can become itchy. (3)
4. Depression
Depression may be a psychological side effect of vitiligo. Since this condition is physically obvious, it can cause an individual to experience emotional distress.
The individual can have feelings of self-consciousness, low self-esteem, and social isolation. These emotional struggles can contribute to the development of depression. Nonetheless, vitiligo is not a direct symptom of vitiligo.
3. Change In The Color Of The Retina In One Or Both Eyes
Melanin is also responsible for giving color to the eyes. Since there’s a lack of it in vitiligo, the color of the retina in one or both eyes can also be affected.
The hue of your eyes is determined by the melanocytes located in the iris. If vitiligo affects these pigment cells, an unexpected change in eye color may occur.
2. De-Pigmentation Around Moles And Freckles
The areas around the moles and freckles can also become affected by vitiligo. The melanocytes in those areas can also become damaged.
Since these cells are responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that gives color to the skin, hair, and eyes, the areas around the moles and freckles can be affected as well. They can lose their pigmentation and become lighter or white.
1. Discoloration Of The Skin Surrounding Body Openings
The cause of discoloration of the skin surrounding body openings is the same cause for the other symptoms mentioned previously. This means that the surrounding areas of the eyes, nostrils, and genital regions can become affected as well.
The level of depigmentation can differ greatly among individuals affected by vitiligo. This means that the amount of skin affected by the loss of pigment can be unique to each person.