Vitiligo : Skin Disorder

Vitiligo is a pigmentation disorder in which there is loss of pigmen from areas of the skin resulting in white patches. Vitiligo can develop on hands, arms, feet ,face, lips, eyes, inner ear, fingers, mucous membranes, and other parts of the body. The hair that grows in area affected by Vitiligo may also turn white.

This condition affects about 1% to 2% of the world`s population, affects both sexes equally and all races. The patches often occur symmetrically across both sides on the body. Most of people who have vitiligo develop it between the age of 10 and 30. however, Vitiligo is not contagious.

The primary symptom of Vitiligo is the loss of skin color. The resulting white patches on the skin may enlarge and increase in number for a while, and then they stop, only to start up again later. Injury, sunburn and severe stress have been known to stimulate the progession of Vitiligo. In addition, people with Vitiligo may have pigment abnormalities of the retina or iris of the eyes. People with Viltiligo feel embarrassed, ashamed or worried about what others people think about them.

No one knows exactly what cause Vitiligo. But there are several theories about it. Many experts say that vitiligo is an autoimmune related disorder, which the body`s immune system attacks on its own cell (the melanocytes). The melanocytes are special cells which produce melanin pigment that colors our skin. Other theory says that the melanocytes somehow destroy themselves. Some people have regarded that a single event such as a severe sunburn or an emotional stress seem to have triggered their viltiligo. However, this theory have not been proven scientifically.

Another theory suggest that vitiligo is entirely genetic, more than 30% people with vitiligo have a familiy history of the disorder. There are also alternative theories that suggest diet and digestive disorder may destruct the melanocytes. We know that exposure to certain chemicals can cause vitiligo. Some chemicals, such as phenols (can be found in photography, many types of hair colourings, household stains, and similar products).