SKINIPEDIA - Skin Encyclopedia & All Skin Related Issues
WHAT IS VITILIGO?
Easy to Read Series by the Department of Health
and Human Services
Public Health Service
National Institute of Arthritis
and Musculoskeletal and
Skin Diseases
National Institutes of Health
Vitiligo (vit-ill-EYE-go) is a disorder in which white patches of skin appear
on different parts of the body. This happens because the cells that make
pigment (color) in the skin are destroyed. These cells are called melanocytes
(ma-LAN-o-sites). Vitiligo can also affect the mucous membranes (such as the
tissue inside the mouth and nose) and the eye.
What Causes Vitiligo?
The cause is not known. Vitiligo may be an autoimmune disease. These
diseases happen when your immune system mistakenly attacks some part of
your own body. In vitiligo, the immune system may destroy the melanocytes
in the skin. It is also possible that one or more genes may make a person
more likely to get the disorder.
Some researchers think that the melanocytes destroy themselves. Others
think that a single event such as sunburn or emotional distress can cause
vitiligo. But these events have not been proven to cause vitiligo.
Who Is Affected by Vitiligo?
In the United States, 1 to 2 million people have the disorder. Most people
with vitiligo develop it before their 40th birthday. The disorder affects all
races and both sexes equally.
People with certain autoimmune diseases (such as hyperthyroidism) are
more likely to get vitiligo than people who don’t have any autoimmune
diseases.
Scientists do not know why vitiligo is connected with these diseases.
However, most people with vitiligo have no other autoimmune disease.
Vitiligo may also run in families. Children whose parents have the disorder
are more likely to develop vitiligo. However, most children will not get
vitiligo even if a parent has it.
What Are the Symptoms of Vitiligo?
White patches on the skin are the main sign of vitiligo. These patches are
more common in areas where the skin is exposed to the sun. The patches may
be on the hands, feet, arms, face, and lips. Other common areas for white
patches are:
-The armpits and groin (where the leg meets the body)
- Around the mouth
- Eyes
- Nostrils.