Vitiligois anautoimmune diseaseand skin condition that appears as smooth white patches of skin.
When vitiligo first develops, the patches typically appear on the hands, forearms, feet, and face.
However, as it progresses, it can spread to cover larger areas.
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What is an Autoimmune Disease?
When the immune system attacks healthy cells, they become damaged and that leads to health problems.
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What’s the Difference Between Genetic and Hereditary Conditions?
“Genetic” and “hereditary” are terms often used interchangeably despite their having two different meanings.
Genetic conditions occur when there is a mutation in someones genes.
What are Genes?
A gene is a part of your DNA.
DNA copying occurs to help produce new cells.
The new cells that are created learn their function based on the cell they were copied from.
If a mutation occurs while the DNA is copying cells, it can lead to genetic mutations.
Vitiligo and Genetics
Research has shown that genetics plays a role in the development of vitiligo.
What Causes Vitiligo?
Cells known asmelanocytesproduce melanin in the skin.
A person with vitiligo lacks melanocytes in the affected patches of skin.
The reason behind the onset of vitiligo isnt clear, and the condition can develop at any age.
How Is Vitiligo Treated?
Treatment options include:
Is Treatment Always Necessary?
Although some people opt for treatment for cosmetic reasons, vitiligo doesnt always require treatment.
Whether you seek treatment is up to you, but know that your skin is beautiful either way.
Frequently Asked Questions
The proper pronunciation of vitiligo is vih-tuh-LIE-go.
Vitiligo does not hurt.
Burning, itching or pain are not likely to occur when a person has vitiligo.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Vitiligo: Who Gets and Causes.
2020 Feb;59(2):236-244. doi:10.1111/ijd.14645
